Mayor Adams implements changes to NYC’s mental health response ahead of Mamdani’s inauguration.

The administration of Mayor Eric Adams is set to transition the city’s non-police mental health response program, known as B-HEARD, out of the control of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and into the hands of NYC Health + Hospitals. This decision has sparked significant controversy, particularly among the union representing FDNY emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

The B-HEARD program, which addresses mental health crises without the involvement of law enforcement, is currently a collaborative initiative between NYC Health + Hospitals and the FDNY. Under the new framework announced by City Hall, NYC Health + Hospitals will take full operational responsibility for the program. Mayor Adams articulated that this model would enable FDNY EMTs to concentrate on traditional emergency response duties, thereby improving overall ambulance response times and optimizing resource allocation within the city’s emergency services. This shift is described as a necessary evolution in addressing the persistent mental health emergencies faced throughout the city.

In a broader context, this maneuver aligns with the anticipated policies of the incoming Mamdani administration, led by Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who has indicated intentions to enhance B-HEARD and reevaluate the city’s approach to mental health emergencies. Mamdani plans to position the program under a new Department of Community Safety, with a focus on integrating peer counselors into the response framework.

A spokesperson for Mamdani expressed confidence that the future administration would comprehensively implement the envisioned reforms for B-HEARD. The aim is to tackle the city’s acute mental health challenges while simultaneously ensuring public safety for all New Yorkers.

The new operational model for B-HEARD is set to feature response teams comprising a nurse, a social worker, and an ambulance driver rather than traditional EMTs. As part of this transition, EMT workers will be reassigned to other roles within the FDNY, a change that is anticipated to take effect in the spring of 2026. Dr. Mitch Katz, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, noted that this restructuring is expected to enhance response times for the FDNY, which have seen a gradual increase over recent years.

Currently, the B-HEARD initiative operates in fewer than half of New York City’s 78 police precincts, indicating significant room for growth. Some advocates believe that the new model, integrated with existing health services provided by NYC Health + Hospitals, could facilitate the scalability of the program and improve pathways to long-term mental health care.

As the city navigates these structural changes, officials and advocates alike are keenly observing how this program will evolve under the new administration’s vision.