NYAPRS Note: As we hoped, Governor Cuomo signed A.836/S.633, legislation that expands mental health and suicide prevention training for corrections officers and staff, into law. Specifically, the measure requires that any new Dept. of Corrections and Community Supervision employee – as well as any current staff that works in security, program services, mental health or medical – receives at least eight hours of training around mental health, suicide prevention, and crisis management.
At the moment, no funding is allocated for this measure, although the legislature has apparently agreed to pass legislation addressing these costs in the coming session.
Thanks to Governor Cuomo for recognizing the importance of expanded mental health training, and to Senator David Carlucci and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther for their efforts in getting this legislation passed. Thanks also to our advocacy partners – particularly NAMI-NYS, CANY, and MHANYS – for joining NYAPRS in support of the bill. Finally, special thanks to those of you who called the Governor’s office to voice your support – as always, it made a difference.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/293093386/Approval-Messages-14-19#scribd