Employee Mental Health Services: S9916 Jackson / A10275 Dilan

MEMORANDUM OF SUPPORT

S9916 Jackson / A10275 Dilan
Relates to employee mental health services

The above-referenced legislation would establish an employee mental health services program for all employees who work for the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and all employees of the Office of Mental Health who deliver services to incarcerated individuals overseen by DOCCS. The New York State Catholic Conference supports this bill.

The environment for corrections staff throughout New York is increasingly fraught, with understaffing leaving many workers in crisis. All employees, including our Catholic chaplains, are working in high-stress, dangerous and mentally draining situations. Tragically, a chaplain of another faith took his own life at Marcy Correctional Facility last year. This was a shocking reminder of the impossible burden too often shouldered by corrections staff.

Providing convenient mental health services at no charge is a wonderful step toward supporting corrections employees. These hardworking individuals care for some of the most vulnerable among us. We must do more to ensure they have the services and supports necessary to care for themselves. We urge you to support this legislation.