State Assembly Vice President Phil Ramos, dean of the Long Island Delegation, joined members of this delegation and the Family Service League (FSL) to highlight the importance of mental health awareness and reaffirm support for FSL’s Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCT), headquartered at the DASH Crisis Stabilization Center in Hauppauge, New York.
This Mobile Crisis Response Team provides critical 24/7 support in mental health, substance use and emotional crises, responding to non-emergency 911 calls, diverting people from law enforcement when appropriate, and connecting families with follow-up services and comprehensive behavioral health services.
The MCT program supports children ages 5 and older, adolescents and adults, ensuring people in crisis receive appropriate care, while strengthening public safety and easing the burden on first responders.
Earlier this year, a budget shortfall put this vital program at risk. Through the collaboration of the Long Island Chapter, funding has been secured to ensure the program remains operational and accessible to Suffolk County residents.
Funding obtained by the Long Island Delegation: Total: $381,000
– Vice President Phil Ramos: $140,000
– President Carl Heastie: $100,000
– Senator Monica R. Martinez: $50,000
– Assemblyman Steve Stern: $51,000
– Assemblyman Tom Schiavoni: $25,000
– Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay: $15,000
The MCT program serves countless Suffolk residents struggling with mental health and substance disorders. Services include crisis assessments and intervention, care management, and coordination with law enforcement when appropriate.
On average, 80% of telehealth interactions do not result in hospitalization, reflecting significant systemic savings, more efficient use of resources, and improved client outcomes.
Family Service League (FSL) MCT staff also collaborates with the Suffolk County Police Department to engage individuals who, due to their behavioral health condition, have disproportionately interacted with law enforcement.
Key points:
– Offers 24/7 crisis assessments, intervention, care management and telehealth services.
– 80% of telehealth interactions do not result in hospitalization, reflecting improved outcomes and significant systemic savings.
– Collaborates with the Suffolk County Police Department and local municipalities to engage and assess individuals in crisis and determine necessary intervention.
– Responds to an average of 2,700 crisis calls per month, in addition to approximately 200 direct law enforcement calls. Services include telephone crisis intervention, telehealth and community response.
– Supports Suffolk County Police Reform’s mental health response program, referring people in crisis from the criminal justice system to timely community care.
– Demonstrates a collective delegation effort that reinforces Suffolk County’s commitment to mental health and public safety.
«We thank the Long Island Delegation for obtaining these funds to support the Mobile Crisis Team. “These crisis intervention services, including our innovative work with law enforcement, make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families facing some of their most difficult times,” said Karen Boorshtein, President and CEO of Family Service League (FSL).
“We gathered on Long Island to announce $381,000 in funding for the Family Service League, ensuring this vital program continues to serve our communities,” said Phil Ramos, Vice President of the New York State Assembly. “As Dean of the Long Island Branch and a former police officer, I understand the importance of this program in responding to emergencies, because when we approach public safety with compassion and strategy, we ensure that people in crisis truly receive care and protection.”
“The Mobile Crisis Response Team represents the best that government can achieve when we lead with collaboration and empathy, connecting law enforcement and mental health professionals to provide care instead of punishment. By investing in this vital initiative, we are not only saving lives, but also strengthening families, supporting our officers, and building a safer, more compassionate Suffolk County,” Ramos added.
“I want to thank all members of the Long Island Delegation, both Senate and Assembly, for working together to protect the quality of life for our families and ensure that those facing mental health challenges know that they are never alone.”
For her part, State Senator Mónica R. Martínez said, “When someone faces a mental health or substance abuse crisis, knowing who to turn to can make all the difference. “Programs like the DASH Center and the Mobile Crisis Response Team connect residents directly with trained professionals who can reduce stress, provide care, and link people to ongoing treatment.”
“I am proud that our Long Island Delegation has come together to continue funding these programs, which help Suffolk residents get the support they need while easing the burden on our emergency services.”
Meanwhile, State Assemblyman Steve Stern commented, “Family Service League’s DASH Center provides essential 24-hour crisis stabilization services for people facing mental health or substance abuse disorders. “That’s why I was so proud to collaborate with my colleagues in the Long Island state legislative delegation to fund the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCT), located at the Crisis Stabilization Center, to connect residents directly with trained social workers and behavioral health professionals during crisis situations.”
“The MCT plays a key role in successfully diverting mental health crises from law enforcement so people can immediately receive the care they need. “I thank FSL for its continued efforts to address behavioral health issues and remain committed to ensuring this outstanding organization has the resources necessary to support our neighbors in need.”
In turn, Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni stated, “During Mental Health Awareness Week, I am proud to join my colleagues from the Long Island Delegation in celebrating the work of the Family Service League. “Its Mobile Response Team (MCT) is a crucial service on Long Island, especially on the East End, where the nonprofit works closely with law enforcement to provide 24/7 crisis care.”
“Earlier this year, I worked hard with my colleagues in the Legislature to secure emergency funding to keep this service operational. Improving mental health across New York State is a crucial statewide issue, and I appreciate the Family Service League’s work to improve the quality of life for Long Islanders.”
Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay said, “Across Suffolk County, families facing a mental health crisis deserve access to help in minutes, not months. “Programs like the Mobile Crisis Response Team can make the difference between tragedy and recovery.”
“I was proud to have secured $15,000 to strengthen the Mobile Crisis Response Team so that clinicians can respond 24 hours a day, collaborate with the Suffolk County Police Department when needed, and connect our residents to critical care without requiring an ER visit. “I will continue to work with Vice President Ramos and the Long Island Delegation to continue investing in proven community responses that save lives and restore hope to those who need it.”
For her part, Assemblywoman Kwani B. O’Pharrow, member of District 11, said, “As a proud member of the Long Island Delegation, I am deeply pleased to see our collective effort to advocate for increased funding for our Mobile Crisis Response Team at the DASH Center. Mental health is not taboo; It is a very real problem that affects us all. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay. By acknowledging our difficulties, we take a vital step toward healing and growth. “Together, we can create a more supportive environment for everyone.”
And State Senator Anthony Palumbo said, “The funding announcement is excellent news for families facing mental health and substance abuse issues throughout Suffolk County. “The Mobile Crisis Team is instrumental in our efforts to provide timely and lifesaving services to children and families in need, especially on eastern Long Island.”
“I want to thank Vice President Ramos, the Family Services League, the Suffolk County Police Department, and all of our state and local partners who work together to provide the help and support that saves lives and strengthens our communities.”
