Serious psychological distress has become twice as prevalent among New York City adults in recent years, according to new survey data from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. An estimated 858,000 New York City adults, or 14 percent, were in serious psychological distress last year, meaning they experienced mental health problems that may have limited their level of functioning. In comparison, the prevalence of serious psychological distress was 7 percent in 2017. The survey of about 2,700 adults found that indicators of serious psychological distress were similarly prevalent among men and women and across races and ethnicities. But it was much more prevalent among younger adults and New Yorkers experiencing socioeconomic hardships, such as low household income, difficulties paying for housing, difficulties paying for health care, and a lack of social ties and community support, according to the data. Prevalence was also higher among adults who experienced discrimination and adults who reported being physically threatened or abused by police. Loneliness was a particularly strong correlate: Over half of adults who reported feeling lonely often or always in the past 14 days were determined to have serious psychological distress. “These findings indicate the urgent need for policies that improve social and economic conditions in order to promote mental health for all New Yorkers,” the department wrote in a data brief. “This is especially true for marginalized groups that are more likely to be exposed to poor social determinants of health due to discriminatory policies and practices.” IN OTHER NEWS: — Montefiore AIDS Center has been awarded $6.8 million in city and state funding to expand services and enhance its team with more counselors, patient educators and mental health support, the health system said Friday. The three grants focus on expanding services among BIPOC communities by addressing barriers to care, such as lack of healthy food, unhealthy living conditions and unstable housing. — The state Office of Mental Health announced the availability of $50 million in capital funding for the expansion of child, adolescent and adult inpatient psychiatric units, including specialty psychiatric units for patients diagnosed with both mental health disorders and developmental disabilities. Up to 10 awards will be made, totaling up to $5 million each. ON THE AGENDA: — Monday at 1 p.m. The state’s Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Council will meet. — Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Public Health and Health Planning Council's Public Health Committee will convene. — Thursday at 10 a.m. The City Council Committees on Health and on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management host an oversight hearing on rat mitigation and public health. — Friday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The New York State Health Equity Council meets. GOT TIPS? Send story ideas and feedback to Maya Kaufman at mkaufman@politico.com. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You’ll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day’s biggest stories.
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