Council hears urgent proposals to improve mental health care and close Rikers Island

City Council members are urged to prioritize mental health funding in the upcoming budget as advocates and experts testify about the dire conditions faced by individuals with mental health issues at Rikers Island. During a recent hearing on the FY26 Executive Budget, speakers highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes to address the mental health crisis within the city's correctional facilities.

Witnesses described harrowing experiences of individuals locked in their cells for extended periods without access to necessary medication or basic sanitation. One former staff member recounted the practice of "dead locking," where individuals with severe mental illnesses were isolated for weeks or months, leading to rapid deterioration of their mental health. This alarming situation underscores Rikers' role as the second-largest psychiatric institution in the United States, where many inmates are community members struggling with mental health challenges.

Advocates called for significant investments to improve mental health services, including $26.6 million to expand supportive housing and $24.7 million for additional mobile treatment teams. They emphasized that the current funding levels are insufficient to meet the needs of those awaiting treatment, with waiting lists exceeding 400 individuals. The testimonies highlighted that over 50% of Rikers' population has mental health issues, with many lacking the resources to reintegrate into society after incarceration.

Chaplain Dr. Victoria Phillips and community organizer Edwin Santana stressed the importance of funding effective mental health solutions rather than perpetuating cycles of incarceration. They urged the council to allocate an additional $770.6 million to meet housing and mental health needs, emphasizing that proven programs operate at a fraction of the cost of incarceration.

As the city prepares its budget, the testimonies from this hearing serve as a critical reminder of the need for compassionate and effective mental health care, particularly for those most vulnerable in the community. The call to close Rikers and invest in humane alternatives resonates strongly among advocates, who assert that honoring the dignity of individuals with mental health challenges is not just necessary but imperative for the city's future.