There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken an extreme toll on many aspects of our lives, including our mental health. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, only one in 10 adults in the U.S. reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, but as of January 2021, that number has skyrocketed to four in 10 adults. College students have had trouble dealing with school closures and rocky transitions to online learning, working parents have had to provide care and schooling for their homebound children, and essential workers are still at greater risk of contracting the coronavirus. Additionally, many have lost their jobs altogether due to pandemic-related closures.[1] This has led to not only a nationwide mental health crisis but also a dangerous uptick in substance abuse issues. A survey conducted in June 2020 reported that 25% of both young adults and essential workers had started or increased substance use during the pandemic, which can lead to additional health issues or worsened mental health.[2]

That’s why I’m pleased to announce that, on Friday, a law creating stabilization centers to serve as voluntary and urgent service providers for individuals at risk of psychiatric and substance abuse-related crises will go into effect (Ch. 57 of 2021). New York’s first crisis stabilization center was opened in 2017 in Dutchess County. In the years since then, the local county jail population has declined 40 percent. The Dutchess County Stabilization Center partners with various service providers, including substance abuse prevention groups and local hospitals, and offers 24-7 support for individuals who’re trying to get sober or need a safe place to stay temporarily. It also helps connect them to the resources they need to address their specific situations.[3]

The pilot crisis stabilization center in Dutchess County has already proved that these centers are effective in helping individuals through mental health and substance abuse crises. With these issues at an all-time high thanks to the pandemic, there is no time to waste in implementing them. The proposed statewide centers would operate year-round and accept admissions at all hours without a referral, including drop-offs by law enforcement and other first responders. Currently, the Dutchess County Stabilization Center is funded by taxpayer dollars at a cost of $1.7 million per year. According to the 2021-2022 state budget, it has been recommended that the statewide centers will be funded by federal programs such as Medicaid.[4]

I’m hopeful that with this new law in place, similar stabilization centers will be able to open across the state. In the meantime, there are many crisis resources here in Onondaga County, including Liberty Resources and Access CNY’s Berkana House. The NYS HOPEline is also available 24/7 for those struggling with chemical dependency. Call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding crisis stabilization centers or any other issue, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at StirpeA@nyassembly.gov or 315-452-1115.

[1] kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/

[2] Ibid.

[3] timesunion.com/news/article/New-York-budget-proposes-stabilization-centers-15940394.php

[4] nyaprs.org/e-news-bulletins/2021/4/6/nys-budget-deal-5-restoration-1-cola-crisis-stabilization-centers-no-expansions-of-involuntary-treatment-halt-law