Governor Kathy Hochul was presented with the 2026 Governor’s Leadership Award by Mental Health America, recognizing her efforts to expand access to mental health care across New York State, according to a March 27 announcement. The award highlights significant and sustained investments made under Hochul’s administration that have strengthened the state’s mental health systems.
The recognition underscores the importance of accessible mental health services and ongoing investment in care for individuals and families throughout New York. Mental Health America announced the award during its Regional Policy Council meeting earlier this month, with Glenn Liebman, Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Association in New York State, presenting it virtually.
“Our ongoing investments into expanding access to care is providing renewed hope for New Yorkers who experience mental health issues,” Governor Hochul said. “With roughly $2 billion prioritized for this purpose, we have built up a system that is both responsive to the needs across our state and providing an example for others to follow nationally.”
Since taking office, Hochul has launched several initiatives including a historic $1 billion plan in 2023 aimed at strengthening mental health services. These efforts have included expanding inpatient capacity, increasing outpatient programs, creating specialized housing units, and improving support especially for underserved populations. Additional measures focused on youth include legislative actions targeting social media use among students and restricting addictive online content through laws such as the Safe for Kids Act.
New York was ranked first nationally by Mental Health America’s report ‘The State of Mental Health in America,’ based on indicators like prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide among youth and access to care among adults. Dr. Ann Sullivan, Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health, said: “Since taking office, Governor Hochul has made unprecedented investments into our state’s continuum of care… This national recognition reflects both the Governor’s leadership and her unwavering commitment.”
Looking ahead, Hochul’s proposed FY 2027 Executive Budget continues these priorities with funding increases supporting Teen Mental Health First Aid training statewide; additional Youth Safe Spaces; increased supportive housing rates; expanded training for crisis counselors working with LGBTQIA+ youth; further support for Indigenous communities; new legal resources; and proposals aligning licensure between providers offering both mental health and addiction services.
MHANYS CEO Glenn Liebman said: “MHANYS is proud to stand alongside Mental Health America in honoring Governor Hochul… leading the way not only for New York State but as a model for other states.” Dr. Pierluigi Mancini from Mental Health America added: “Through significant and sustained investments, Governor Hochul has strengthened mental health systems across the continuum of care…”