The New York State Office of Mental Health today announced that the Daniel’s Law Task Force will host a virtual listening session on April 16 from 3pm to 5pm to gather additional feedback from the public.  The session will be live-streamed and registered attendees will be able to make public comments. Registration is open on the Office of Mental Health website and only required for those interested in making remarks.  This is the final virtual listening session, however there will be an in-person listening session of the Task Force on May 8 in Rochester, as well as additional opportunities to comment at Task Force meetings.

The April 16 meeting may, if time permits, include a presentation from Albany County Mental Health Commissioner Stephen Giordano, who will discuss the ACCORD (Albany County Crisis Officials Responding and Diverting) program. The initiative is a multi-agency partnership that teams county social workers and paramedics to provide an appropriate response for those in need of assistance in the Hill towns of Albany County.

The Daniel’s Law Task Force was established in 2023, in response to the death of 41-year-old Daniel Prude. The Task Force is charged with developing recommendations to guide behavioral health crisis response and explore avenues for related diversion services. In its previous three listening sessions, the Task Force received input from communities, governmental entities, and the public on the best practices for engaging individuals in crisis, with a specific emphasis on equity.

Office of Mental Health Commissioner and Task Force Chair Dr. Ann Sullivan said “We are very encouraged by the feedback and recommendations the Task Force has received in our previous listening sessions. Individuals with lived experience, healthcare providers, local officials and members of the public know best the needs of their communities, and their input is an absolute necessity in developing appropriate public policy.”