The Alliance for Rights and Recovery is proud to share that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law critical legislation that updates crisis response language across New York State. This new law requires all state agencies, public authorities, and municipalities to replace the outdated and stigmatizing term “emotionally disturbed person” with the more respectful and accurate phrase “person experiencing an emotional crisis.”
This change, while seemingly small, represents an important step toward building a more person-centered system of support. Language matters. By shifting the words we use in everyday crisis response, training, and regulations, New York is moving closer to services that affirm dignity, compassion, and recovery!
This bill also adds to the recent advancements in crisis response included in this year’s state budget, such as:
- $6 million for Daniel’s Law pilot programs, which will expand non-police responses to people experiencing a crisis.
- The creation of a Behavioral Health Crisis Technical Assistance Center, which will help localities move away from police-led crisis response and toward peer-led, health-focused approaches.
The Alliance strongly supported this effort, and we thank:
- Assembly Member Monique Chandler-Waterman and Senator Samra Brouk, the bill sponsors, for their leadership,
- The New York State Legislature for passing this measure,
- And Governor Hochul for signing it into law today.
We also extend our deep gratitude to advocates like Christina Sparrock, whose tireless work helped push this legislation across the finish line.
The Alliance will continue to monitor legislation closely and keep our community updated as new laws are enacted that impact the rights and services available to people with mental health and substance use challenges. Together, we will keep advancing toward a system that centers recovery, rights, and respect. See the full text of the new law as well as the additional co-sponsors here.
Finally, we are excited to continue these conversations at the Alliance Conference, which will host a number of panels on improving the crisis continuum, including sessions on non-police crisis responders, effective alternatives to hospitalization, and building a system that truly supports people in moments of need. See below for information on how to register and get your hotel reservations if you have not done so yet!
Alliance Conference Overflow Hotel
While the Villa Roma properties are now completely booked, we have arranged for your alternative accommodations at a nearby facility, Resorts World Catskills.
Details about Staying at Resorts World Catskills
Resorts World Catskills is located in Monticello
and is approximately 35 minutes from our conference site
at the Villa Roma in Callicoon.
- Rates (2-night package): we have negotiated a special arrangement with Resorts World to offer you a discounted rate:
- Double:$385 total for Monday and Tuesday night at Resorts Worlds, as well as 7 meals and the full conference program at the Villa Roma
- The cost for lodging at the Resort World Catskills on Sunday night is an additional $174 (dinner and breakfast at extra cost)
- Single:$535 total for 2 nights at the Resort Worlds, as well as 7 meals and the full conference program at the Villa Roma;
- The cost for lodging at the Resorts World Catskills on Sunday night is an additional cost of $174 (dinner and breakfast at extra cost)
- Double:$385 total for Monday and Tuesday night at Resorts Worlds, as well as 7 meals and the full conference program at the Villa Roma
- To book your room at Resorts World Catskills contact Eileen Crosby at eileenc@rightsandrecovery.org
- DO NOT BOOK ONLINE AT RESORTS WORLD – Contact Eileen to book your room ensure access to all meals at the Villa Roma.
Shuttle Service
The Alliance will provide complimentary shuttle twice in the morning and in the evening between Resorts World Catskills and Villa Roma as follows:
Morning departures: 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM; Evening returns: 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM
Transportation leaves and drops off at the Main Entrance at Resorts World.
Meal Access at the Villa Roma
Everyone staying at Resorts World Catskills will receive a meal wristband for dining at the Villa Roma from Eileen and her team at the Alliance registration table.
Conference Registration
You can still register for our conference at our site
Again, contact Eileen@rightsandrecovery.org
to book your room at Resorts Word.
Contact eileenc@rightsandrecovery.orgfor prompt assistance.
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New York City & Long Island Buses for Alliance Conference: Sign Up Today!
Our Annual Conference is just a few days away! We still have transportation available for a limited number of attendees from New York City and Long Island. If you are interested in taking advantage of this transportation option, please complete the interest form or contact the designated organizer below. Hurry! Space is limited and we encourage you to reserve your spot now!
NYC Buses
Sign up here: Register for NYC Buses
We have one bus with available seats which will pick passengers up at the following location:
- Fountain House – 425 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036
Buses will depart at 7:00 am on Wednesday, September 29th and return from the Villa Roma at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, October 1st. Please arrive by 6:30 am at the latest. The buses will travel directly to the conference venue at Villa Roma, with an expected arrival time of 10:00 am. There is no cost for transportation to and from the New York City pick-up locations.
NEW! Long Island Bus
A third bus will now be available for attendees from Long Island with the following schedule:
- 5:30 am – Mental Health and Wellness
1380 Roanoke Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901 - 6:30 am – 939 Johnson Avenue
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 - 7:30 am – Mental Health Association
16 Main Street, Hempstead, NY 11550
The bus will then travel directly to the Villa Roma Resort & Spa. There is a fee for $40 to ride the Long Island bus.
To reserve your spot on the Long Island bus, please contact:
Brent Russell – brussell@mhanc.org
Seats are limited, so register today!
Bus registration operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
We are eagerly anticipating your participation in the Annual Conference and
look forward to welcoming you on board from New York City and Long Island!