Bouncing Back: Mental Health Progress and Remaining Challenges in New York

On October 29, 2024, NYHealth hosted a webinar to discuss findings from the new NYHealth data brief on mental health after COVID-19.

More than four years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of anxiety and/or depression among New Yorkers are showing improvement across all population groups. A recent NYHealth data brief shows the prevalence of poor mental health plunged by 40% between July 2023 (31.9%) and July 2024 (18.9%).

However, notable disparities in mental health remain for some New Yorkers. Young adults, Hispanic New Yorkers, people who have low incomes, and those experiencing food insufficiency all experience anxiety and/or depression at higher levels. Continued investment in mental health is important for sustained care and ensuring that care is culturally competent and delivered through cohesive care networks.

Speakers discussed perspectives on the current state of mental health in New York communities, policies designed to support improvements in outcomes, and where opportunities and challenges remain to capitalize on the momentum in New York.

Speakers: 

• Emilia Cobbs, Policy and Research Associate, NYHealth
• Melanie Funchess, Director of Mental Health and Wellness, Common Ground Health
• Wendy Wong, Healthcare Training Program Director, Project Renewal

Watch the webinar recording.