NYC Council meetings, chaptered and linked by time.
Independent project. Not affiliated with the New York City Council.
Created by Uzair Qadir
Inspired by Vikram Oberoi's City Meetings
New York City Council
Oversight - Mental Health Services for Veterans and Military Families
Read summaries and jump into the video at the segment start.
Council staff welcomes attendees to the joint hearing of the Committee on Veterans and the Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use, and reminds attendees to put devices on silent.
Chair Morano introduces himself, reflects on the value of committee hearings, and cites past hearings on post-9/11 veterans, LGBTQ+ veterans, veterans of color, and female veterans that produced concrete legislation.
Morano reviews the October 2024 PTSD hearing, Local Laws 37-40 of 2024, and reveals that far too many city agencies are not in compliance with Local Law 37, which requires identifying veterans when they interact with city agencies.
Morano presents veteran population data: 637,542 veterans in New York State, about 122,700 in New York City. He describes the complex psychological impacts of military service including PTSD, substance use, and behavioral health issues.
Morano details barriers to care including difficulty navigating the behavioral health system, stigma, geographic barriers, and the need for cross-cultural competency training for female, LGBTQ+, and minority veterans.
Morano raises concerns about the VetConnect NYC portal since 2018, citing difficulties with access, navigation, and follow-up, and references Comptroller Mark Levine's recent audit report.
Morano reads a statement from Councilmember Areola about Resolution 493, which would declare April 7 as White Star Family Day, recognizing families who lost a service member or veteran to suicide.
Morano acknowledges Councilmembers Wong and Aldebol, and praises co-chair Caban for her intelligence and willingness to work across ideological lines on veterans and mental health issues.
Morano thanks committee staff including legislative counsel Hannah Cohn, senior counsel Sarah Sucher, legislative analyst Raina Lee, policy analysts Mahnoor Boot and Justin Campos, financial analyst Sandra Gray, and community associate Sebastian Neme.
Morano addresses Q&A format, encouraging colleagues to ask follow-up questions without worrying about the five-minute buzzer, and announces he will yield to other members before returning for additional questions.
Chair Caban welcomes veterans, families, and advocates, noting that Queens has the highest concentration of veterans. She highlights elevated rates of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicide among veterans and the ripple effects on military families and caregivers.
Caban discusses veterans experiencing homelessness and those involved in the criminal legal system, drawing on her experience as a public defender. She emphasizes that untreated mental health and substance use needs are often at the root of homelessness and incarceration.
Caban calls for accountability and action, asking agencies to share what is working and what is not, and asking veterans and families to share where the system failed them. She thanks staff and turns the mic back to Morano.
Morano acknowledges newly elected Councilmember Carl Wilson, and committee counsel administers the affirmation oath to the administration panel.
Commissioner Mata introduces herself as a veteran and soldier, describes the inaugural Remembrance Ruck across the Brooklyn Bridge with over 1,200 participants, and emphasizes that connection and community must be part of mental health approach.
Mata presents data showing NYC veterans died by suicide at approximately twice the rate of civilians between 2012-2022, with concerning disparities among younger veterans. She outlines DVS's prevention approach focused on reducing isolation and strengthening social connection.
Mata describes the first city-administered Joseph Dwyer program cycle in 2025, supporting 31 organizations across five boroughs, with 90% of participants likely to recommend the program. She notes 23 organizations are pre-qualified for the next cycle.
Mata describes Mission Vet Check, a partnership with New York Cares using trained volunteers for supportive check-in calls. Over 1,000 calls were made in the most recent outreach, connecting veterans to mental health, housing, food, and employment resources.
Mata describes the Veterans Mental Health Coalition, which convenes practitioners, researchers, and advocates to discuss emerging research, identify barriers to care, and strengthen relationships across the veteran mental health ecosystem.
Mata acknowledges the Comptroller's VetConnect audit findings, states DVS generally agrees with recommendations, and is taking steps to strengthen performance standards, vendor accountability, and reporting. She emphasizes VetConnect is one of multiple pathways to DVS.
Mata discusses coordination across city government, including partnership with DOHMH, and emphasizes that mental health cannot be delivered in isolation from housing, employment, food security, and family stability.
Mata expresses administration support for Resolution 0493-2026 declaring April 7 as White Star Family Day, honoring families who lost a service member or veteran to suicide and continuing work to reduce stigma.
Morano asks about the drop from 31 to 23 pre-qualified Dwyer organizations, whether boroughs including Staten Island are at risk of losing programs, and when funding will reach organizations. Mata and Chief of Staff Nicole Orlando explain the program is now being fully implemented and funded.
Morano asks how many veterans actually answered Mission VetCheck calls, how many identified mental health needs, and how many were connected to care. Orlando reports 27,544 calls since November 2025, with over 1,739 lasting more than 60 seconds.
Morano asks which of the Comptroller's six VetConnect recommendations have been fully implemented, which remain outstanding, and when all six will be completed. Mata describes monitoring user experience, tracking service tickets, and incorporating public feedback.
Caban asks about major barriers to mental health care despite high insurance coverage. Mata and Orlando explain that one-third of staff are veterans, over two-thirds are military-affiliated, and all receive military cultural competency training. Family member eligibility for VA services is a key barrier.
Caban asks about causes of veterans dropping out of therapy programs. Associate Commissioner Donee' Smalls describes the new Aftercare model with follow-up at 24 hours, two weeks, three months, and six months, and shares her peer-to-peer approach as a combat veteran.
Caban asks about connection rates during check-ins. Smalls reports a 50-50 connection rate initially, declining over time due to phone number changes. Orlando describes retention efforts through Dwyer participant surveys, social media growth from 3,000 to 6,000 followers, and a weekly newsletter.
Caban asks about outreach campaigns and available languages. Mata describes the Dwyer program's varied activities across boroughs, marketing in multiple languages, and targeted roundtables with female veterans and LGBTQ+ veterans to determine best communication approaches.
Caban asks about top barriers and inter-agency coordination. Mata describes building bridges with 18-20 city agencies, up from three, and working on military cultural competency training. Orlando details partnerships with the Mayor's Office of People with Disabilities, Wounded Warrior Project, and DOHMH on borough hubs.
Morano acknowledges the 79th birthday of the U.S. Air Force and National POW/MIA Recognition Day, honoring generations of airmen and those who endured captivity, and encourages following DVS on social media for veteran commemorations.
Wong asks about DVS policy when contact is lost with a veteran. He shares that a constituent veteran committed suicide last year. Orlando describes maintaining multiple communication channels and consistent follow-up, including connecting with community-based organizations and federal VA partners.
Wong asks about longest wait times for mental health services at NYC veteran hospitals. Smalls describes vet centers in each borough as alternatives to VA hospitals, and referrals to nonprofits, Northwell Health, and Health and Hospitals. Wong expresses concern about waits of several weeks to months.
Wong asks about city-funded mental health programs for veterans and families. Orlando describes the Valone Initiative through VFW, which helps veterans file benefits claims related to mental health struggles. Wong requests data on how many people were helped.
Morano asks for a breakdown by council district of Valone Initiative participants to assess which council members are effectively advertising the service to constituents.
Aldebol asks about age range breakdowns and reasons for disparities among younger veterans. Orlando reports the 18-34 age group has the highest suicide rate at 47.9 per 100,000. Mata discusses roundtables for younger veterans and collaboration with DYCD on transitioning service members and transferable skills.
A council member asks about connecting veterans to civil service employment. Orlando describes the 55A Pathways program, a state partnership for veterans with disability ratings, and a 2024 DCAS proposal allowing deployed service members to receive residency points on civil service exams.
Caban relays three questions from Councilmember Areola about DHS no longer pursuing VA Grant and Per Diem funding for transitional housing: how much funding is foregone, why DHS stopped, and how the administration will replace it. Orlando says DVS will follow up with DHS.
Wilson asks what happens when a veteran seeks housing assistance. Smalls describes the intake process: veteran housing coordinator assessment, housing plan development, subsidy assistance, and hand-in-hand support through permanent housing placement.
Wilson asks how many veterans are being worked with for housing and typical placement timelines. Smalls reports 209 veterans housed in FY26, the highest since the agency's inception, with typical timelines of three to six months depending on documentation like DD-214 availability.
Wilson asks how DVS identifies homeless veterans beyond shelter referrals. Smalls describes coordination with DHS, DSS, street outreach teams, and a veteran coordinator stationed at HRA on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Wilson asks about steps to address mental health impacts for LGBTQ+ veterans amid federal policy changes. Mata describes having an LGBTQ+ liaison, hosting roundtables, and highlighting LGBTQ+ veteran history on social media to counter erasure.
Wilson asks about barriers stopping LGBTQ+ veterans from accessing care. Mata and Orlando identify lack of self-identification as a major issue, plus federal-level barriers including the trans ban, discharge statuses, and lingering effects of Don't Ask Don't Tell. DVS serves veterans regardless of discharge status or orientation.
Caban requests a written implementation schedule for each VetConnect Comptroller recommendation, with responsible persons and completion dates. Mata commits to providing it, noting she can speak to actions under her tenure but not pre-existing procurement decisions.
Caban asks whether all veteran requests through any channel enter a single case management system. Orlando confirms the goal is for all cases to be in the VetConnect CRM powered by Combined Arms, with a data department tracking case open and closed status and staff assigned to coordinate referrals.
Caban asks what specific changes the city has made in response to findings that veterans die by suicide at twice the civilian rate, and whether measurable prevention goals exist. Orlando describes connecting at-risk veterans to services and building community before crisis.
Aldebol asks which CBOs DVS works with for mental health services and what the feedback loop looks like. Mata and Orlando describe roundtables with providers, partnerships with Northwell Health, City Bar Justice Center, Staten Island Performing Provider System, and federal VA vet centers.
Aldebol asks about timelines for analyzing collected data and what form work products will take. Mata describes the new data department providing monthly internal reports, sharing with council members, and using Local Law 37 data to understand services veterans seek across city agencies.
Aldebol discusses the intersection of military service, mental health, and the criminal legal system, drawing on her public defender experience. She asks whether DVS tracks veterans with mental health issues who are incarcerated or have open cases. Mata describes visiting Rikers Island and working with the Corrections Commissioner.
Aldebol asks about proactive education for veterans leaving incarceration who may not know they are eligible for benefits. Orlando describes collaboration with veteran treatment courts, the Restoration of Honor Act, and exploring involvement in housing courts.
Aldebol asks whether DOC tracks veteran status as an intake marker and automatically connects veterans to DVS. Orlando says this is being explored alongside increased Local Law 37 participation, and DVS is working with DOC to build a feedback loop.
Caban asks why FY2024 reported veterans who received mental health services while FY2025 only counted requests, losing the ability to tell whether veterans actually received care. Orlando attributes the change to previous administration decisions and says they are working to restore outcome reporting.
Caban asks why Local Law 37 reports have not been received and requests a firm date. Mata describes proactively reaching out to city agencies, guiding them through reporting requirements, and building systems. She reports an increase from 3 to 18-20 agencies in communication, with December reporting expected to show a significant jump.
Caban asks which agencies should be reporting under Local Law 39 but aren't, and what the council can do to help. Orlando says DVS can follow up with a list and describes direct staff engagement with agencies to answer reporting questions.
Caban asks how many veterans participated in Dwyer programs, how many responded to surveys, and whether participation leads to sustained improvements. Orlando reports over 1,800 participants, with 62% veterans, and says the next iteration will collect more aftercare follow-up data.
Wong presses on who is responsible for going after non-compliant agencies, calling it unacceptable that only seven agencies comply with Local Law 39. Mata describes working with the acting general counsel and data department to guide agencies, and building systems to make reporting easier.
A council member asks about the Cover NYC Vet partnership between DVS and the Mayor's Public Engagement Unit. Orlando confirms the program in its original form is no longer operational, but DVS collaborates with 311 and the Office for Mass Engagement to maintain connections.
A council member asks how the NYC Well hotline differs for veterans versus civilians. Orlando says DVS follows up on specifics but confirms close collaboration with 311 and providers to ensure military cultural competency for call responders.
Caban asks what options exist for a veteran in mental health crisis beyond 911. Smalls describes the process: calls reach Executive Director of Mental Health Dr. Lauren DeMello, who connects veterans to 988 or community partners. Data is collected and entered into VetConnect with case notes.
Caban asks how DVS stays current with emerging treatments like psychedelics and ketamine therapy. Orlando describes monthly Veterans Mental Health Coalition meetings, tracking VA psilocybin pilot studies in five VAs, discussions on moral injury, and a web series sharing veteran stories to close knowledge gaps.
Morano asks how many incarcerated veterans in city jails have identified mental health needs. Caban notes up to two-thirds of people on Rikers have mental health issues. Morano asks whether veteran status is routinely identified at intake and what procedures ensure treatment continuity.
Morano asks who is responsible for connecting incarcerated veterans to DVS and the VA before release. Smalls describes a veteran liaison at the Department of Corrections who connects veterans to DVS services.
Morano asks whether DVS ever tests its own system by having someone go through the process as a veteran seeking help, referencing former NJ Governor Dick Codey's undercover approach. Mata confirms she is personally assessing every system, including walk-in wait times and staff coverage.
Morano asks what happens when a veteran who requested mental health services goes silent. Smalls describes a buddy system where staff go out in pairs for welfare checks, coordinating with NYPD or fire department if needed. Orlando adds that joint approaches with NYPD, DOHMH, and state partners are used.
Morano asks where DVS would put an additional $1 million specifically for veterans' mental health. Mata emphasizes ensuring no interrupted services regardless of budget outcomes. Orlando says community feedback would guide where gaps are and what the need is.
Morano asks what is the single biggest obstacle preventing DVS from ensuring every veteran who requests mental health care actually receives it. Mata says she continues assessing every program and data to understand veteran needs. Orlando says the focus is on evolving to meet changing community needs.
Morano thanks the administration panel for comprehensive testimony, acknowledges public testimony will follow, and notes that answers given during Q&A benefit the public as well.
Morano acknowledges combat veteran Troy Olson from Councilmember Vernikov's staff, then reads public testimony rules including five-minute limit, no recording, and written testimony submission procedures.
Morano introduces the first public panel: Dr. Mecca Nelson, a Gold Star spouse and advocate for White Star families, and Anthony Passaro, father of a veteran who died by suicide. Morano praises Dr. Nelson's advocacy work.
Dr. Nelson introduces herself as a Haitian warrior, U.S. Army Gold Star spouse, and advocate. She thanks the committee and DVS for recognizing Gold Star, Silver Star, and White Star families, and recounts her previous testimony from September 2022 advocating for White Star Family Day.
Nelson requests a roundtable with White Star and Silver Star families to hear their concerns directly, emphasizing that affected families deserve a voice in what comes next and that recognition is moving forward.
Nelson shares the story of a paralyzed Gold Star mother who could not attend the hearing because she lacks mobility equipment to navigate stairs, paying over $100 for assistance. She asks the council to close gaps in accessibility, home modification, and personal assistance for military families with disabilities.
Nelson calls for a military-connected family-owned business certification, noting that many forms only ask 'Are you a veteran?' which excludes spouses and caregivers. She describes her own businesses that work with the city, state, and Rikers Island, and says military-connected families are effectively invisible in procurement.
Nelson describes experiencing disrespect within an organization serving military families, including poor treatment of Gold Star, White Star, and Silver Star families and their children. She calls for stronger oversight, confidential complaint procedures, independent evaluation, and trauma-informed staff training for organizations receiving city funding.
Nelson praises more inclusive language in event announcements and publications that now reference military families alongside veterans. She raises the case of a fiancée of a killed service member who receives different benefits than surviving spouses, asking where non-traditional family members fit in housing assistance programs.
Nelson honors Anthony Passaro's son Adam, a combat veteran who died by suicide. She describes connecting Anthony to the Dwyer program and credits DVS, particularly former Commissioner Hendon, for helping her emerge from isolation to advocate for families.
Nelson expresses frustration that her multiple requests to meet with Councilmember Areola's office about the White Star Family resolution went unanswered. She emphasizes this is about communication and inclusion, not blame, and asks for meaningful engagement with affected families.
Morano thanks Nelson for channeling grief into activism, asks about the Gold Star mother who couldn't attend, and offers to connect her with his office. Nelson confirms this is a broader problem affecting multiple families. Morano proposes a committee roundtable and asks for three priority issues.
Nelson defines Silver Star families as family members of veterans who served, were injured, or have mental health issues. She identifies three roundtable priorities: awareness and education, communication and language, and ensuring families know their designation. She shares an anecdote of a woman who didn't know she was a White Star family member.
Morano asks what a meaningful accountability system would look like for organizations serving military families. Nelson recommends undercover testing of organizations, truly anonymous complaint procedures that protect identities from retaliation, and ensuring organizations never learn who filed complaints.
Passaro shares the story of his son Adam, a combat veteran who served in Army intelligence, later worked for Homeland Security, and died by suicide despite being in therapy. He describes Adam's PTSD, survivor guilt after his army buddy was killed, and credits Dr. Nelson with helping him through grief. He expresses gratitude for the White Star Family Day resolution.
Morano asks Passaro what the city could have done to prevent Adam's suicide. Passaro says Adam was already receiving therapy and had successfully transitioned to Homeland Security. He emphasizes the importance of supporting programs like those Dr. Nelson provides and the Dwyer program.
Nelson delivers closing remarks, thanking Anthony for sharing his story, thanking the council for moving recognition forward, and acknowledging Blue Star, Gold Star, Silver Star, and White Star families. She emphasizes that recognition must lead to lasting action and accessible services.
Morano acknowledges Councilmember Linda Lee's arrival, then introduces the second public panel: David Kapner, attorney with the Legal Aid Society, and Fiodhna O'Grady from Samaritans of New York.
Kapner introduces himself as a Legal Aid Society attorney since 1988. He describes Veterans Court as a specialty alternative to incarceration program where participants share military experience, creating camaraderie and mutual support that differs from other ATI programs. Veterans can be rehabilitated because they have previously functioned at high levels.
Kapner describes VA peer mentors who support veterans in court, veteran justice outreach coordinators who help coordinate care for PTSD and traumatic brain injury, and the advantage that veterans' military training prepares them for structured program environments, leading to higher graduation rates.
Kapner identifies key limitations: spots are limited by bed availability, only indicted felony cases qualify, there is no misdemeanor veterans court, and crimes with violent components—often tied to PTSD—can exclude veterans who would benefit most. He praises Manhattan Judge Mershon and the DA for considering otherwise-disqualifying cases.
Morano and Caban discuss with Kapner the paradox that veterans who would benefit most from Veterans Court are often excluded due to violent charges tied to PTSD. Kapner explains the criteria mirror CPL Section 216 for drug court, requiring indicted felonies, mostly nonviolent. DAs will sometimes consent to violent predicates if behavior is tied to service.
Kapner describes the DD-214 barrier: homeless veterans often lack discharge paperwork needed for Veterans Court admission, and obtaining replacements takes months while clients sit in jail. Morano and Caban discuss CJA interview questions about veteran status, and Kapner notes many veterans don't self-identify due to shame, while some non-veterans falsely claim service.
Morano and Caban discuss with Kapner the gap for misdemeanor-level veteran cases, where defendants get time-served offers without any conversation about services or housing. Kapner confirms there is no veteran-specific programming for misdemeanor cases and that without significant consequences, attorneys avoid mandating treatment that could lead to failure.
Morano asks what city government could do to expand Veterans Court's influence. Kapner recommends expanding available spots and beds, shortening the screening process to reduce jail time, and expanding the veterans pod within DOC facilities, which currently has a waiting list.
O'Grady introduces Samaritans of New York, a suicide prevention center operating for 40 years with a 24-hour confidential hotline, grief support programs with NAMI, and DOE education. She praises the committee for addressing suicide openly and acknowledges Dr. Nelson and Passaro's testimony.
O'Grady presents veteran suicide data showing twice the civilian rate, emphasizes that suicide is preventable and that most attempt survivors go on to live full lives. She frames suicide as a symptom and feeling that can come and go, not an automatic outcome, and calls for nuanced assessment approaches.
O'Grady endorses White Star Family Day recognition, citing the Air Force's coordinated community-wide prevention program that achieved significant reductions in suicide, homicide, and family violence. She emphasizes the need for multiple pathways to support, allowing veterans to choose from an array of services.
O'Grady describes Samaritans' completely confidential and anonymous hotline answering 60,000+ calls annually without call-tracing technology. She raises concerns about 988's involuntary hospitalization practices, noting that those hospitalized against their will are at higher risk for future suicide, and calls for more nuanced harm assessment.
Councilmember Lee asks Kapner about peer support numbers in Veterans Court, referencing a 2022 joint hearing she held with former Chair Holden. Kapner reports seeing a core group of two to four retired peer mentors. Lee and Wong discuss the need for paid peers and a formalized pipeline.
Morano asks O'Grady what DVS should do differently to reach veterans who prefer anonymous help, and whether the city could partner with Samaritans. O'Grady says she introduced herself to the commissioner and they plan to meet, and expresses interest in expanding Samaritans' presence to Staten Island.
Morano asks what specific elements of the Air Force's coordinated prevention program NYC could adopt. O'Grady says she will work with the commissioner and her co-executive director who serves on the National Council for Suicide Prevention to develop policy recommendations.
Graham introduces himself as an Air Force veteran (2002-2008), VFW National Legislative Committee member, and Veterans Advisory Board member. He describes the Valone Initiative claims clinic and his work with Councilmember Caban, Wong, and Lee.
Graham praises Dr. Nelson's advocacy for White Star, Silver Star, and Gold Star families, discusses the burden military families carry during deployment, and mentions the recent death of Sergeant Rampersad in Ozone Park that turned a Blue Star family into a Gold Star family.
Graham shares the personal loss of a close friend from John Adams High School in Ozone Park who took his own life just over two years ago. He describes the emotional impact and how it stays with him.
Graham acknowledges Air Force birthday and National POW/MIA Recognition Day, noting nearly 81,000 service members never came home, with families never receiving closure. He emphasizes the heavy burden families bear during deployment.
Graham discusses gaps in veterans treatment courts, housing, and homelessness services. He describes the Valone Initiative team's role in air traffic controlling housing requests to DVS, mentions subject matter expert Tim Pena on homelessness, and calls for expanded case management within DVS.
Graham describes the seven-person Valone Initiative team that does more than claims processing, sitting with veterans and sensing mental health struggles. He discloses being service-connected for mental health himself, describes the roller coaster of ebbs and flows, and emphasizes veterans need a hand up not a handout.
Graham praises the Dwyer program for morale, health, and wellness activities like salsa classes, cooking, and rucking groups. He describes the Remembrance Ruck experience as filled with love and camaraderie, and encourages the city to continue it annually as a networking and community-building event.
Graham mentions the TAPS Promotion Act on the VFW's national legislative agenda, a Department of Defense issue that has persisted for years, before being reminded by Morano to save content for the next hearing.
Morano delivers extensive closing remarks, encouraging public participation in future hearings, announcing a joint hearing on veteran homelessness next month, emphasizing that individual voices shape policy in this committee, and noting that the White Star Family resolution is a beginning not an end. He thanks Caban for co-chairing and adjourns the meeting.