Governor Hochul signs legislation to provide addiction and mental health services training for first responders

ALBANY, N.Y. (WHEC) — Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Friday that provides addiction and mental health services training, including crisis intervention team training, mental health first aid, implicit bias training and Naloxone training.

Legislation (S.07144/A.07686) will provide these services to firefighters and emergency medical services personnel in regions where crisis stabilization centers are located.

"I am proud to sign this legislation that will provide our brave first responders with the tools needed to assist New Yorkers who struggle with mental health and addiction," Gov. Hochul said. "The pandemic has only made things harder for New Yorkers, and it is critical that our first responders and emergency services personnel have the proper training, tools and resources to help keep our streets and subways safe."

Governor Hochul said that this training is needed to address the growing mental health crisis, and will be especially necessary in catchment areas of crisis stabilization centers.

To learn more about this legislation, please click here.