Lower Manhattan skyline
Ultima_Gaina
Brooklyn Bridge at and the Lower Manhattan skyline under a purple sunset
Khari Edwards recognizes that mental health services are underfunded and often overlooked. He plans to push the Governor to change reimbursement rates for mental health services, making them more financially viable. Edwards also aims to incentivize businesses to offer mental health support to employees at no or low cost, similar to gym memberships, fostering healthier communities.
Expanding mental health partnerships in schools
Edwards has a proven track record from his time at Brookdale Hospital, where he partnered with psychology departments and medical residents to provide mental health support to schools in need. As Borough President, he will expand these partnerships, ensuring that students and their families have access to vital mental health services.
Bringing mental health professionals to non-community schools
To address mental health disparities, Edwards plans to support non-community schools by arranging weekly visits from psychology and psychiatry residents, as well as social worker fellows. These professionals will provide essential mental health support to students and their families as part of their community service hours.
Supporting mobile crisis vans for immediate care
To expand access to mental health care, Edwards will work with the City Department of Health and local hospitals to financially support mobile crisis vans. This initiative aims to increase the volume of care available for individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Funding cure violence and violence interruption programs
Edwards believes in the power of community-based interventions. He plans to fund cure violence and violence interruption programs, providing them with access to clinical social workers and psychologists to address trauma and mental health in at-risk populations.
