Hochul announces successful implementation of 988 suicide and Crisis lifeline
Governor Kathy Hochul yesterday announced the successful implementation of 988 in New York State as the new three-digit number to call or text to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
All 62 counties in New York State will be covered for the launch of the new 988 Lifeline, which will ensure that anyone with a New York area code contacting 988 will be connected to one of New York’s 988 crisis centers.
“Connecting people who are experiencing a mental health crisis or considering suicide to trained counselors can significantly help them through difficulties that seem insurmountable, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides hope and support to those who need it most,” Hochul said. “By implementing 988, we are providing these individuals, as well as their families and friends, an easy-to-remember number that will give them access to the services they need.”
Calling 988 provides a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health or substance abuse related distress. A chat feature will also be available through the Lifeline’s website (988lifeline.org).
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline will be able to:
Connect people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis to a trained counselor who can address their immediate needs and help connect them to ongoing care.
Reduce health care spending with more cost-effective early intervention.
Reduce use of law enforcement, public health, and other safety resources.
Meet the growing need for crisis intervention.
Help end stigma toward those seeking or accessing mental healthcare.
Espaillat to host community coffee event
U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan, Bronx) this weekend will hold another of his signature “Coffee With Your Congressman” event.
During the discussion, Espaillat will be joined by City Council Members Carmen De La Rosa and Assembly Members Al Taylor and Manny De Los Santos. He will also provide updates on his ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure in his congressional district as well as discuss grant opportunities for local community projects.
These informal events provide residents the opportunity to discuss their concerns and share ideas on how to make improvements throughout New York’s 13th congressional district.
The event is slated for 10 a.m., Sunday, July 17 at Buunni Coffee, 213 Pinehurst Avenue in Manhattan. All events are public and residents are required to RSVP prior to attendance by emailing RSVP.Espaillat@mail.house.gov or calling 212-497-5959.
Brewer, Marte, Menin call on city to regulate micro-fulfillment centers
City Council Members Gale Brewer (D-Manhattan), Christopher Marte (D-Manhattan) and Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) today will call on the city to further regulate micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) operated by rapid delivery apps like Getir, GoPuff, Jokr, Gorillaz, and others.
Brewer this week wrote NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga expressing after multiple letters to the Departments of Buildings, City Planning, and DCWP, she appreciated that the agencies are starting to focus on these MFC businesses, many of which continue to operate counter to the City’s zoning and consumer protection regulations – to the disadvantage of brick and mortar delis and supermarkets who are held accountable.
“I write to gain clarity about the DCWP education and engagement efforts to ensure that MFCs are operating in a clear and consistent regulatory framework – particularly in relation to its responsibility to enforce consumer protection laws,” Brewer wrote.
“If left unchecked by appropriate regulation, MFCs will continue to operate with a tacit approval of your agency in a manner that is unfair and injurious to competing retail businesses that are the backbone of our communities, be allowed to alter the streetscape in ways that are typical of wholesale and warehouse districts, and in effect be permitted to be operate as outlaws where all other businesses are subject to strict regulations,” the letter added.
The lawmakers will further address the situation at 10 a.m., today, July 14 on the steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
