(June 21, 2017) Last night, the New York State legislature passed a bill to extend Kendra's Law for another five years, with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle lauding its results and emphasizing the role it plays in providing mental health care in the state. While this is a victory for families of the most severely mentally ill, lawmakers missed a prime opportunity to better the lives of New Yorkers. Instead of making Kendra’s Law permanent and further expanding access for the stunningly successful program, it failed, allowing the lives of the most vulnerable to serve as a bargaining chip in partisan politics.
New Yorkers should nevertheless be proud of the role they have played in making Kendra’s Law a national model. For nearly twenty years, Kendra’s Law has helped thousands of New Yorkers with severe mental illness receive the care they need in the community. Its success has spawned emulation; states across the country have adopted their own versions, while the federal government has begun funding a series of $15 million grants to support the implementation of Kendra’s Law programs nationwide.
Special thanks goes out to the Webdale family, NAMI-New York State, the Manhattan Institute and the countless advocates, champions and families who have spoken up, told their stories and attested to the value of this life-saving and life-changing law.