Brewer asks about referral-to-evaluation time and Bellevue clinic use
Brewer asks how long it takes between a mental health referral and initial clinical evaluation. Otonichar says in July about 1,800 intakes occurred, roughly 1,000 were referred to mental health, and 95% were seen within 72 hours; stat referrals are scheduled within 24 hours.
But my other question is, what's the average time between a mental health referral?
and the person's initial clinical evaluation.
And it must have, when I go, I'm no expert, obviously, but it doesn't seem like there's a lot of services.
A lot of mental illness, maybe just because that's the day that I'm there.
James and Chelsea know that.
But it doesn't seem like it's under control.
And so...
I guess my question is also in terms of the medical clinics on site at Bellevue.
How many on them are?
How many appointments are for mentally ill on a daily basis?
How are those clinics used?
When I was there, nobody was at the clinic.
I can start with the first part of your question.
So in terms of how long it takes, so looking at July data from this year, we completed about 1,800 intakes.
Of that, about 1,000 individuals were referred to mental health, and 95% of them were seen within 72 hours.
Otherwise, we can make stat referrals in general to mental health service, which is trying to see people within or schedule people within 24 hours.
More routine appointments will be scheduled within 72 hours.
In terms of the Bellevue Clinic, because that is a therapeutic unit and individuals and staff are on site, our utilization rates are higher.
We can follow up with you on any specifics related to mental health.
Okay, I'll just leave it that this is the biggest problem in the city right now, number one.
And so it needs even more attention than this wonderful chair is doing.
And I know you're kind of saying everything's okay.
It's not okay.
It's not okay.
And so, I mean, obviously more follow-up, but this...
Out on the street, a lot of your focus, people who have been at Rikers.
So you just need to do a lot more.
Thank you.
No, I understand.
And I think your point about homelessness is a good one.
Yeah, they're not going to take that.
They're not going to any pharmacy of their choice.
They don't know what the hell that is.
It's hard to, you know, they're out.
Thank you.
Thank you, Councilmember.
I'm going to ask a few questions, and then I'm going to you.
Oh, no, sorry.
Councilmember Salam has not gone.
Go ahead.