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COMMUNITY OP-ED SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 | The Indian Eye 12
“Bridge to Home” is Providing a Public
Health Approach to Public Safety
By providing people managing severe mental illness with safe, clean rooms and
dedicated on-site clinical support, our ‘Bridge to Home’ facilities will bridge the divide
between critical hospital care and long-term housing solutions
ERIC ADAMS
rom the start of our adminis-
tration, we have been clear that
Fthe days of ignoring people
in crisis — on our streets and in our
subways — were over. It’s no secret
that too many New Yorkers who suf-
fer from severe mental illness cycle
between hospitals and homelessness,
and that we need a better way to help
them get long-term care and stable
housing.
That’s where taking a public
health approach to public safety support, our ‘Bridge to Home’ facil- social workers with police officers to increase involuntary treatment op-
comes in, and what our new ‘Bridge ities will bridge the divide between do outreach on the subways, to in- tions this year.
to Home’ initiative will provide for critical hospital care and long-term creasing the number of community Our work over the last three and a
our brothers and sisters in need, spe- housing solutions. The program will clubhouses that provide safe spaces half years has been the right thing to do,
cifically for those who have been dis- reduce emergency room visits and for people with severe mental illness, the compassionate thing to do, and it
charged from psychiatric facilities but inpatient hospitalizations, as well as to expanding Safe Haven beds that has had broad support from a majority
do not have a home to return to and decrease street homelessness and re- make it easier for homeless New of New Yorkers. We are delivering real
are not yet ready to live independent- liance on shelters. This will help pa- Yorkers to get off the street, we have solutions that work, not catch-phras-
ly. The first facility opened last week tients avoid unnecessary encounters used every possible tool and meth- es that will never become reality.
in Midtown Manhattan, with individ- with law enforcement and make our od to help New Yorkers in need get I have seen both sides of this
ual rooms, three balanced meals a city safer while improving quality of care and services, no matter what issue, from living on the verge of
day, and wraparound mental health life for all New Yorkers. That is what issues they are struggling with. More homelessness as a child to patrolling
services for up to 46 residents. It will taking a public health approach to importantly, we are investing in the our subways as a transit officer. As
be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days public safety actually looks like. social services that take a public mayor, I am determined to help
a week, by professionals from NYC ‘Bridge to Home’ is part of our health approach to keeping all New break the cycle of dysfunction and
Health + Hospitals, who will provide $650 million plan, that we announced Yorkers safe. Our administration has build a better future; a future where
behavioral health services, medica- in this year’s State of the City address. changed the conversation around all New Yorkers have a chance for
tion management, and substance use The plan builds on over three years mental health, homelessness, and grace, guidance, and long-term re-
disorder treatment, as well as regular of dedicated work to help New York- quality-of-life issues. We have suc- covery. We all know that no matter
social, therapeutic, and recreational ers struggling with homelessness and cessfully advocated for improved how lost you may be, there is always
opportunities. mental illness, and is changing the legal options, particularly the ‘Sup- a way home, but sometimes you need
By providing people managing way we care for those in crisis. portive Interventions Act,’ which a little help to get there.
severe mental illness with safe, clean From expanding our SCOUT helped us get Albany to give us the Eric Adams is the Mayor of
rooms and dedicated on-site clinical and PATH outreach models that pair ability to expand access to care and New York City, NY
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