Author Archives for Comms Team

Inauguration Weekend, Support is Available 24/7

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline experienced a significant, but short term increase in call volume the day before and after the election this past November. On Monday, November 7, 2016, there was a 15% increase in Lifeline calls, and a 51% increase on the Spanish Lifeline number. There were two “spikes”—or surges—in call volume on… View Article Published on - January 19, 2017 11:25 am Published by - Leave your thoughts

Governor Cuomo Signs New York Step Therapy Bill

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill Saturday changing the rules surrounding step therapy, a process by which insurers can require that certain drugs be tried first before approving a physician’s prescription. The bill, which passed unanimously in the State Senate and Assembly, does not ban the use of step therapy but does provide rules governing… View Article Published on - January 6, 2017 11:22 am Published by - Leave your thoughts

Letter from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Director

We wanted to take a moment to address the historic passage of the 21st Century Cures/Mental Health Reform Omnibus that was recently enacted and to highlight its relevance to the field of suicide prevention and crisis centers. The act is a result of years of bipartisan efforts and represents a recognition of a variety of health, mental… View Article Published on - December 13, 2016 8:22 pm Published by - Leave your thoughts

21st Century Cures Act Resources

In light of the historic passage of the 21st Century Cures/Mental Health Reform Omnibus today, we put together some resources to help you understand what it may mean for you. Letter from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Director – MHA-NYC MHA-NYC’s EVP of Integrated Policy and Program Services, Kim Williams, discusses the 21st Century Cures Act with EVP of Marketing… View Article Published on - December 13, 2016 11:21 am Published by - Leave your thoughts

Dr. John Draper’s Statement on VA’s New Suicide Data

Dr. John Draper, Director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, discusses the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ newest data on veterans suicide rates: This report is a stark reminder that there is much more that we can all do to prevent veteran suicides in our communities and in non-VA health care systems. The more than… View Article Published on - July 7, 2016 8:09 pm Published by - Leave your thoughts

A Note from Our CEO on the Passing of Alan Rutsky

Alan Rutsky, the treasurer of the MHA board, and a cherished member of our organization, has passed away. Alan has been a member of our board since 1998. His counsel, guidance and friendship to all of us cannot be replaced. Alan loved MHA, and looked at our growth with such happiness because it was an… View Article Published on - June 29, 2016 11:07 pm Published by - Leave your thoughts

MHA Q&A with Kathryn Salisbury: iHelp New York

What is iHelp New York? iHelp New York gives New Yorkers access to free, confidential and effective online cognitive behavioral therapy programs, or CBT for short. CBT is a tried, tested and effective way for people to improve their emotional well-being. iHelp is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere there is… View Article Published on - May 27, 2015 2:31 pm Published by - Leave your thoughts

Great News: New Yorkers can now text the HOPEline!

I would like to share some exciting news about the New York State HOPEline addiction referral and support service. Thanks to the partnership between MHA-NYC and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), New Yorkers are now able to text HOPEline counselors to receive help whenever and wherever they need… View Article Published on - May 26, 2015 9:10 pm Published by - Leave your thoughts