PRESS STATEMENT

HMI Commends NY Governor Kathy Hochul on $1 Billion Mental Health Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 11, 2023, NEW YORK, NY

Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) applauds New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the commitment she made in her State of the State Address to overhaul the continuum of mental health care in New York State. We are particularly encouraged that the Governor has acknowledged the need for school- and community-based initiatives that will address the mental needs of children and youth in an effective and timely manner.

At HMI, we center the mental well-being of our youth members and provide a variety of services from individual and group counseling to academic and arts programming—all of which are designed to address the mental health issues and traumas experienced by LGBTQIA+ youth of color. 

HMI Chief Executive Officer, Joe Pressley remarked, “We have had the privilege of hosting Governor Hochul at HMI, sharing with her the realities, challenges, and successes of our young people. The Governor has always understood the need for comprehensive mental health services for our youth—a vulnerable population often overlooked when it comes to access to mental wellness care.”

Pressley added, “Governor Hochul clearly recognizes that not only should more funds be devoted to mental health services overall, but these services must be made accessible, convenient, and affordable for all New Yorkers, no matter where they live or what age they are.”

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For interviews, contact:

Gino Hawley
HMI Marketing Communications
917-319-4078
ghawley@hmi.org

About Hetrick-Martin Institute

Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) is proud to be the nation’s oldest and largest organization helping gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) youth between the ages of 13 and 24 to reach their full potential. Through a comprehensive package of direct services and referrals, the organization fosters healthy youth development. HMI’s staff promotes excellence in the delivery of youth services and uses its expertise to create innovative programs that other organizations may use as models. HMI serves a diverse community, the vast majority of whom identify as Black or people of color. The youth organization is dedicated to building its approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels, throughout its operations and functions.