Now is the time to pass the Restoring Mental Health Act.
Mayor Adams is advocating for the passage of the Restoring Mental Health Act in order to address the crisis of disturbed individuals wandering the streets and subways of the city. He wants the Legislature to pass this act before they adjourn early next month, but it seems that Albany is not showing much interest.
This bill aims to put an end to the revolving door of Emotionally Disturbed Persons (EDPs) being committed for treatment after an incident, only to be quickly released due to unclear standards. The goal is to clarify the standards for prolonged involuntary in-patient care.
Current laws, as they are applied, have allowed for cases like that of “Ice Pick Nick,” a violent mentally ill individual who terrorized the East Village for years before finally being apprehended and incarcerated.
Incidents of random attacks by EDPs with histories of dangerous behavior have made walking on the streets of the city a terrifying experience:
- Cyril Destin, a deranged vagrant with a criminal record in Times Square, recently stood up from his walker and stabbed Amber Lohr, a tourist accompanying a group of children, as she passed by.
Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul must work together to persuade the progressive members of the Legislature to support this crucial legislation. Allowing troubled individuals to walk free poses a risk to themselves and others, leading to serious harm.
Furthermore, Albany needs to ensure that mental-health facilities have the necessary resources to handle these challenging cases. Passing the Restoring Mental Health Act will help put an end to the cycle of mentally ill individuals moving in and out of jail and/or Bellevue Hospital.
