Hochul plans $1B investment in mental health care

Hochul plans $1B investment in mental health care

This image taken from video provided by the Office of the Governor of New York, shows New York Gov. Kathy Hochul as she makes an announcement, in New York, Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022. Hochul announced Wednesday that the state will end a COVID-19 mandate requiring face coverings in most indoor public settings, but will keep masking rules in place in schools for now. (Office of the Governor of New York via AP)

Gov. Hochul announced plans Tuesday to add 1,000 beds for inpatient psychiatric treatment and create 3,500 housing units to address gaps in the state’s mental health care system.

The more than $1 billion, multiyear plan was announced as part of the governor’s annual State of the State address. It also would increase insurance coverage for mental health services, expand outpatient services and create greater accountability in hospital admissions and discharges.

(Office of the Governor of New York via AP)