Najwa Awad

The meeting featured discussions on key behavioral health initiatives, including a $71 million investment in supportive housing programs for individuals in recovery from mental illness or addiction, intended to maintain residential capacity and provide wraparound services. The council also reviewed the establishment of 15 new non-clinical youth clubhouses in underserved counties to support recovery and well-being. Furthermore, the council discussed the GRACE Initiative, a partnership with faith-based organizations designed to address overdose disparities in communities of color, including plans for data collection, feedback gathering, and the development of resources to better assist faith leaders in their communities.

The council reviewed and approved regulations concerning COVID-19 vaccination programs and telehealth services expansion. Project reviews included capital project approvals for Odyssey House, Inc. to expand residential addiction treatment services and Spring Hill Wellness New York, LLC to establish outpatient addiction services. A comprehensive capital project for window replacement at Erie County Medical Center, impacting an inpatient psychiatric unit, was also approved with conditions. Discussions included increasing the council's advisory role for state agencies, ethics training reminders, and future meeting scheduling.

The Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council Project Review Committee will review several certification applications. These include change of ownership applications for Carnegie Hill Institute, Inc. and Medical Arts Sanitarium, Inc., a new sponsor application for NYU Langone Health System, a capital project application for Phoenix Houses of Long Island, Inc., and a new OASAS provider application for Ohel Children's Home and Family Services, Inc. The applications cover various services and locations across New York State.

The Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council Project Review Committee meeting reviewed and recommended approval for several OASAS and OMH projects. OASAS projects included new provider certifications for outpatient and residential services in various locations across New York State, focusing on culturally sensitive programming and addressing specific community needs. OMH projects involved approvals for new MHOTRS programs for children, adolescents, and adults in Kings and Queens counties, emphasizing services for veterans and culturally competent care for specific communities. Capital project renovations were also approved for Westchester County Healthcare Corporation to increase inpatient psychiatric bed capacity. Each project underwent review, addressing questions regarding staffing, cultural competency training, and service delivery models.

The meeting agenda includes discussions on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion; OASAS workforce recruitment and retention; community collaboration; proactive versus reactive council approaches; recommendations for community education forums; equitable workforce representation; and reviews of regulations and projects from OMH and OASAS. Specific projects reviewed include inpatient and outpatient units at various medical centers and health centers.