NYC Council Criticizes Adams’ Involuntary Hospitalization Policy Over Racial Disparities and Lack of Long-Term Care

A new report highlights systemic gaps and calls for increased investment in community-based mental health programs as Adams and Hochul push for state law changes.

• The City Council released a report criticizing Mayor Eric Adams' involuntary hospitalization policy for failing to connect individuals with long-term mental health care.
• The report revealed significant racial disparities, with 54% of those involuntarily hospitalized in 2024 being Black, despite Black residents comprising only 23% of the city's population.
• Nearly 40% of individuals taken to NYC Health + Hospitals facilities under the policy did not receive in-person treatment, raising concerns about the program's effectiveness.
• Councilmembers called for increased funding for Intensive Mobile Treatment teams and other community-based programs to address mental health crises more effectively.
• Mayor Adams defended the policy as essential for addressing severe mental illness and homelessness, while advocating with Governor Hochul for state law changes to expand involuntary commitment criteria.

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