Alliance Alert: The Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) program was created by Congress in 1986 to safeguard the rights of people with psychiatric disabilities. Funded and overseen by SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services, PAIMI programs operate in every state and territory. In New York, Disability Rights New York (DRNY) serves as the designated PAIMI agency.
What PAIMI Does:
- Investigates abuse, neglect, and rights violations in psychiatric hospitals, jails, schools, and community settings.
- Provides advocacy and legal representation to individuals with mental health challenges.
- Ensures access to services that are safe, effective, voluntary, and respectful of people’s rights.
- Works to eliminate discrimination and promote recovery through systems-change advocacy.
Why It Matters:
For individuals with mental health challenges, PAIMI programs are often the only independent watchdog ensuring that rights are respected. They play a critical role in holding service systems accountable, fighting harmful practices like forced treatment, and amplifying the voices of people whose rights are too often ignored.
As an organization focused on the rights of individuals, the Alliance recognizes that PAIMI is vital for our community. It ensures that when people face violations of their rights—whether in hospitals, housing, schools, or the criminal legal system—they have a trusted avenue to seek redress and fight back.
With the upcoming federal review of DRNY’s PAIMI program on September 16–18, 2025, this is an important opportunity to provide feedback. Your comments will help strengthen PAIMI’s work and ensure that New Yorkers continue to have strong protections for their rights.
How to Comment:
Email PAIMI@samhsa.hhs.gov or mail to:
PAIMI Program Coordinator, SAMHSA/CMHS
5600 Fishers Lane, Suite 14E25D
Rockville, MD 20857