New law being introduced to the Hudson Valley to aid mental health issues

A new tool to help with mental health emergencies is officially being introduced on Thursday called the Green Flashing Light Law.

Julia Burns

Jun 6, 2024, 12:24 AM

Updated 23 days ago

Share:

A new tool to help with mental health emergencies is officially being introduced on Thursday called the Green Flashing Light Law.
The new law will allow mobile response teams heading to mental health emergencies to display green lights.
These response teams are responding to crisis situations alongside police officers, but aren't always in marked cars.
Drivers are requested to yield to these green lights rather than being required to with red flashing lights.
Joseph Glazer, of the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health, helped to get the law passed. He says every second counts when someone is having a mental health crisis.
"If a person is in an ongoing state of decline, the quicker you get there the quicker you can stint the decline," says Glazer.
Cities can choose not to use the green lights.
Multiple emergency departments in the Hudson Valley say they are still trying to figure the system out.


More from News 12
1:51
Educators, leaders and students unite in Bushwick to demand educational changes

Educators, leaders and students unite in Bushwick to demand educational changes

2:00
STORM WATCH: Humidity and warmth for Saturday in the Bronx; tracking showers, storms this weekend

STORM WATCH: Humidity and warmth for Saturday in the Bronx; tracking showers, storms this weekend

1:48
G train officially starts its shutdown for upgrades

G train officially starts its shutdown for upgrades

1:47
Suspect arrested in connection to death of 15-year-old from Bensonhurst

Suspect arrested in connection to death of 15-year-old from Bensonhurst

2:04
Exclusive: Previewing the West Indian American Day Carnival under new leadership

Exclusive: Previewing the West Indian American Day Carnival under new leadership

1:08
Funding for Brooklyn libraries restored in new announcement ahead of city budget deadline

Funding for Brooklyn libraries restored in new announcement ahead of city budget deadline

2:15
NYC reducing speed limits in select areas as Sammy's Law comes into effect

NYC reducing speed limits in select areas as Sammy's Law comes into effect

1:41
Restaurant owners worry G train shutdown will bring decline in foot traffic

Restaurant owners worry G train shutdown will bring decline in foot traffic

0:43
Officials say halt to congestion pricing plan paused accessibility projects in Brooklyn

Officials say halt to congestion pricing plan paused accessibility projects in Brooklyn

0:44
Police: 2 men injured in separate overnight shootings in Bed-Stuy

Police: 2 men injured in separate overnight shootings in Bed-Stuy

2:01
Fallen tree on tracks in Ditmas Park causes massive subway issues

Fallen tree on tracks in Ditmas Park causes massive subway issues

2:13
Brooklyn's public outdoor pools open Thursday amid lifeguard shortage

Brooklyn's public outdoor pools open Thursday amid lifeguard shortage

0:58
Brooklyn nonprofit hosts emotional reunion with soldiers and their rescue dogs

Brooklyn nonprofit hosts emotional reunion with soldiers and their rescue dogs

1:30
FDNY: 4 people injured in Midwood building fire

FDNY: 4 people injured in Midwood building fire

0:46
Newly unveiled electric garbage trucks to keep streets and the environment clean

Newly unveiled electric garbage trucks to keep streets and the environment clean

2:13
Brooklyn's public outdoor pools open Thursday amid lifeguard shortage

Brooklyn's public outdoor pools open Thursday amid lifeguard shortage

0:37
Bay Ridge residents at ease after learning their building has new ownership

Bay Ridge residents at ease after learning their building has new ownership

0:27
Report: Fewer young people live in NYC now than before COVID-19 pandemic

Report: Fewer young people live in NYC now than before COVID-19 pandemic

0:46
NYPD: 3 men hospitalized following triple shooting at Brownsville basketball court

NYPD: 3 men hospitalized following triple shooting at Brownsville basketball court

0:26
NYPD: 77-year-old assaulted with a scooter in Brooklyn; suspect at large

NYPD: 77-year-old assaulted with a scooter in Brooklyn; suspect at large