The New York City Council's Committees on Finance, Health, and Mental Health convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss the proposed Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. A significant focus of the hearing was the funding for health services, particularly concerning mental health and gun violence prevention initiatives.

One of the primary concerns raised was a proposed $10 million cut to a vital 24/7 mental health service program. Officials from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) clarified that there is no planned cut for FY 2026, indicating intentions to restore funding for the program. This assurance was welcomed by council members, who emphasized the importance of maintaining mental health services for New Yorkers.

The discussion also highlighted the city's ongoing efforts to combat gun violence through a collaborative task force involving multiple agencies. The DOHMH plays a crucial role in this initiative, managing hospital-based violence intervention programs and participating actively in the task force since its inception in 2022. While the department does not have a specific budget for the task force, it allocates $1.5 million to its violence intervention programs, which include partnerships with ten hospitals and various community organizations.

Another critical topic was the alarming issue of black maternal mortality. The DOHMH aims to reduce the black maternal mortality rate by 10% over the next five years, a goal deemed achievable yet cautious given recent trends exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials noted that 75% of black maternal deaths are preventable and outlined strategies to address this crisis, including increasing access to mental health treatment for pregnant individuals and enhancing training for healthcare staff on identifying mental health issues.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from city officials to continue discussions on these pressing health issues, emphasizing the importance of funding and collaborative efforts in improving health outcomes for all New Yorkers.