Vasan, the City Health Commissioner, makes an avoidable error regarding mental health

Mayor Adams and Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan are facing criticism for their plans to make changes to small mental health community centers. The city plans to invest up to $30 million to triple membership in adult day centers known as “clubhouses” from 5,000 to 15,000 in a few years. However, Vasan intends to reduce the number of centers from 16 to 13, which may impact the effectiveness of these intimate spaces.

There are concerns about whether the city should be investing so heavily in these mental health centers, as they primarily serve adults with major depressive disorder and similar challenges rather than the severely mentally ill individuals who need the most help. Members of these communities worry that larger centers serving hundreds of people a day may not meet the individual needs of their clients.

One significant issue is that the city is not covering the startup costs for the new clubhouses, which could lead to them being located in different neighborhoods than the existing centers. Vasan’s background as the former CEO of the city’s largest clubhouse provider, Fountain House, may be influencing his perspective. Additionally, his strict stance on mandates starting in 2022 raises doubts about his judgment.

In the past, the city saw an increase in membership from 3,000 to 5,000 by adding small centers gradually. The rapid plan to triple membership raises concerns about fundamentally changing the service without thoroughly considering the consequences. Ultimately, there is a call for the mayor and commissioner to prioritize the principle of medicine: First, do no harm.