$2 million for Daniel’s Law pilot program included in budget resolution

The New York State Senate has earmarked $2 million for a pilot program under Daniel’s Law in its latest budget resolution. Daniel’s Law was named in memory of Daniel Prude, who tragically died after an encounter with police during a mental health crisis in 2020. This legislation advocates for mental health professionals to be the primary responders to certain mental health and substance abuse crises, reserving police involvement for situations where there is a threat to others. The funding aims to kickstart a pilot program that showcases a culturally competent, peer-led approach to managing mental health and substance use emergencies. The Daniel’s Law Coalition emphasizes the importance of this pilot as a step towards statewide implementation, advocating for responses informed by peers with lived mental health experience. As the four-year anniversary of Prude’s death approaches, the coalition calls on legislators to commit to this funding in the final budget, aiming to honor Prude’s memory by revolutionizing the way mental health crises are addressed in New York State.

Source: Rochester First