NYAPRS Note: State have to operate the new 988 mental health crisis line by July 2022. Accordingly Senate Mental Health Committee chair Samra Brouk is introducing legislation tomorrow authorizing New York to take steps to prepare for the launch of 988, which will trigger a mental health rather than a 911 police response. Look for links tomorrow. NYAPRS, NAMI and MHANYS reps will join Senate Brouk and her counterpart Assemblywoman Gunther at tomorrow’s event.
MEDIA ADVISORY
April 26, 2021
Media Contact:
Jenna McDavid, Communications Manager
(585) 210-3343
mcdavid@nysenate.gov
Senator Samra Brouk Introduces Bill Establishing a Three-Digit
National Mental Health Crisis Line
ALBANY, NY – On Tuesday, April 27th at 12:30pm, Senator Samra Brouk, Senator Pete Harckham, and Assemblymember Aileen Gunther will be joined by mental health advocates from across New York State in Albany’s West Capitol Park to announce the introduction of Senate Bill S6194, which would establish the three-digit, 9-8-8 national suicide prevention hotline number that individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, or their loved ones, could call or text to be connected to trained mental health counselors.
WHAT: Press conference introducing S6194, which would establish a three-digit national mental health crisis hotline
WHEN: Tuesday, April 27th at 12:30pm
WHERE: West Capitol Park, Albany, NY (map)
Please wear a mask and follow all New York State social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
WHO: Senator Samra Brouk (SD-55), Senator Pete Harckham (SD-40), Assemblymember Aileen Gunther (AD-100), and mental health advocates from across New York State
New York State Senate Bill S6194 would establish the three-digit, 9-8-8 national suicide prevention hotline number that individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, or their loved ones, could call or text to be connected to trained mental health counselors. The shortened, three-digit number will be easier to remember and allow more people to get help when it is needed.
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New York State Senator Samra Brouk (pronounced Sah-mra Br-uuk) represents the incredibly diverse 55th Senate District, stretching from the southern shores of Lake Ontario, through Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts, and south to Finger Lakes wine country. It includes Victor, East Bloomfield, West Bloomfield, Richmond, Bristol, South Bristol, Canadice, and Naples in Ontario County and Rush, Mendon, Pittsford, Perinton, Penfield, East Rochester, and Irondequoit, plus the east side of the City of Rochester in Monroe County. Senator Brouk serves as the Chair of the Mental Health Committee and sits on Health, Education, Elections, Women’s Issues, Aging, and Alcoholism and Substance Abuse committees.