This week, Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) submitted testimony to New York City’s oversight hearing on the Behavioral Health Emergency Assistance Response Division (B-HEARD) program. As a leading mental health organization committed to supporting mental and emotional well-being, Vibrant emphasizes the urgent need for improvements in crisis response systems.

B-HEARD represents a promising step forward in addressing the mental health crisis by offering a more compassionate public health approach. However, as our testimony highlights, the current program has limitations that must be addressed to truly meet the needs of individuals in crisis.

In our testimony, we highlighted several critical concerns, including the over-reliance on law enforcement, the lack of peer specialists in crisis response teams, and the need for stronger partnerships with community organizations to ensure long-term follow-up care. We also called for a formal agreement to enhance collaboration between NYC 988 and the 911 system, ensuring more appropriate and effective responses to mental health crises. To achieve its full potential, B-HEARD must expand to offer 24/7 coverage citywide, requiring increased and sustained investment. Currently, B-HEARD’s funding is insufficient to meet the growing needs of New Yorkers in crisis. Despite the City’s ongoing calls for improved mental health care, continued budget cuts undermine these efforts. Adequate funding is essential to B-HEARD’s success, as it allows for non-police responses to mental health emergencies, ensuring individuals receive the compassionate care they deserve.

By implementing these recommendations, New York City can build a more equitable, trauma-informed, and effective crisis response system that truly supports its most vulnerable residents. We remain committed to working alongside city officials, community partners, and all stakeholders to improve B-HEARD and ensure that everyone in crisis receives the help they need.

We look forward to continued collaboration and advocacy to enhance crisis response systems citywide. If you have any questions regarding our testimony, please contact Lisa Elder, State Policy Manager, at lelder@vibrant.org.