"New Yorkers struggling with mental health and substance use deserve compassion and support, not a revolving door of emergency room and criminal justice interventions."

-- Mayor Eric Adams

On July 13th, NYC Mayor Eric Adams held a press conference at the Support and Connection Center with NYC Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Ashwin Vasan, MD. Samaritan Daytop Village President & CEO Mitchell Netburn took part in the well-attended media event. Below, watch a video of the live-streamed occasion. You can also view the Mayor's press release, see event photos, view news stories, and learn more about the new and innovative program.

CBS News NY: New behavioral health facility opens in the Bronx

NY1: New Bronx clinic to offer 'immediate' mental health services

News 12 Bronx: Mayor Adams, local leaders announce new mental health facility for the Bronx

Pix 11: Mental health care facility opens in the Bronx

Politico: City unveils new Bronx behavioral health center

Univision 41: Buenas noticias para habitantes de Nueva York: inauguran centro de salud mental en El Bronx

"Our unique combination of clinical programs, peer support, and primary care will be a new experience for many individuals brought to the Support and Connection Center. Our open-door policy is designed to encourage them to return, stabilize, and begin their journey to health and wellness."

-- Samaritan Daytop Village President & CEO Mitchell Netburn

Two weeks ago, Samaritan Daytop Village proudly opened the doors to the new Support and Connection Center - a special venture with the City of New York and supported by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports and Office of Mental Health.

In a unique approach, we are operating the Bronx-based facility in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the NYPD 47th Precinct.

The 24/7 program offers a new short-term, health-focused alternative for community members suffering through a mental health or struggling with substance use issues.

In the past, individuals only had two options: emergency rooms or jail cells. The Support and Connection Center provides a third alternative: health and wellness.

A Holistic Approach to Behavioral Health

At the Support and Connection Center, we have an interdisciplinary team of 15+ health/mental health/substance use clinicians, social services, case management, and certified peer specialists. The team provides specialized care and available resources in the 17-bed facility. Both immediate and underyling health needs are addressed.

Guests can stay at the Support and Connection Center for up to five days and can leave at any time they wish. Our ultimate hope with each referral? A life-changing step toward health and wellness. 

The majority of Guests have opted to enter treatment for substance use and mental health issues. This is a positive start and, we hope, an ongoing trend.

A Note About Referrals

All Guests who arrive at the Support and Connection Center are referred by the NYPD and B-HEARD teams in the South Bronx. These teams consist of criminal justice, medical, and mental health professionals (from the NYPD 47th Precinct, FDNY's Emergency Medical Services, and NYC Health + Hospitals). The NYC-operated teams decide whether the 911 call requires the behavioral health interventions of the Support and Connection Center. The facility does not operate as a walk-in clinic, shelter, or treatment program.

For more information about the innovative Support and Connection Center, contact Samaritan Daytop Village.