NYC's First Lady Explains Ambitious Plan To Improve Mental Health Services

08:42

May 06, 2015

New York First Lady Chirlane McCray speaks at an event to raise awareness for mental health at the Empire State Building on May 5, 2015 in New York City. (Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

When New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio releases his executive budget tomorrow, it will include $54.4 million in new funding for mental health programs across the city. There's also a promise that that number will increase to $78.3 million the following year.

The mayor's wife, Chirlane McCray, is spearheading the effort and announced the proposed funding yesterday. Included in the new initiative would be mental health clinics at more than 80 schools, a victim's advocate at every police precinct, mental health services at family and youth homeless shelters, and art therapy for young people at the jail at Rikers Island.

Here & Now's Robin Young talks to Chirlane McCray about the proposed plans, and why this issue resonates with her so deeply.

Guest

Chirlane McCray, activist, writer and wife of New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio. She tweets @Chirlane.

This segment aired on May 6, 2015.

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