New York City is expanding its B-HEARD pilot program, initiated in 2021, to offer a non-police response to mental health crises, addressing the challenge of finding social workers for the task. The program's expansion comes amid a broader recognition of the mental health crisis in the U.S., with public figures like Senator Mark Warner advocating for increased resources, including the 988 mental health crisis hotline. The issue has gained further attention through Elmo's recent 'checking in' social media post, which prompted discussions on the importance of mental health resources for both children and adults and the need for innovative solutions to the ongoing crisis.
YES! This is so critical for kids and adults alike. If you see someone who has fallen on hard times, help them out. And if needed, refer them to mental health services. Thank you for reaching out, Elmo, and reminding us that it is ALWAYS okay to ask for help!  https://t.co/JQZomqHb9o
Thanks for checking in, Elmo. We have a mental health crisis, and the same old solutions are not going to solve the problem. I hope you might learn about the science that connects our metabolic and mental health. It’s not a coincidence that as the rates of obesity and… https://t.co/UFsAXPGojG
Response to Elmo's "checking in" post underscores U.S. mental health crisis https://t.co/586T1Oiy9b
.@elmo and @SesameWorkshop have some thoughts about mental health — https://t.co/JlFY1JEUsP
When Elmo checked in, folks weren’t doing so well. It’s why I’ve fought to invest in resources like 988 – the mental health crisis is real, and we need actual resources for folks in crisis. I’m going to keep fighting for resources for mental health. https://t.co/V0KSrQo0Eh
An earlier report explained that the problem was in finding social workers willing to do the job. -------------------------- 'New York City is slowly expanding the reach of its B-HEARD pilot program, which launched in 2021 to provide a non-police response to mental health crisis… https://t.co/TQYcbVxSxL