September 22, 2025

Advocacy for Daniel’s Law Gains Momentum in New York

News Summary

Support for Daniel’s Law is growing in New York as advocates push for crisis response teams to handle mental health emergencies rather than police involvement. Rallying in various cities, supporters emphasize the need for alternative approaches to prevent tragedies like the death of Daniel Prude during a mental health crisis. Together with the allocation of $6 million for pilot programs, initiatives like Hope First Roc aim to promote effective crisis interventions and community trust.

Rochester, New York – Advocacy for Daniel’s Law is gaining momentum in the New York State Legislature more than five years after the tragic death of Daniel Prude. Prude died during a mental health crisis in March 2020 while in Rochester Police custody, prompting widespread calls for change in how mental health emergencies are addressed.

Supporters of Daniel’s Law rallied in various cities across the state, including Rochester, to mark what would have been Prude’s birthday. This initiative aims to send trained crisis response teams to handle mental health or substance use emergencies, as opposed to involving police, who may not be adequately trained to deal with such situations.

The proposed bill has successfully passed through the State Mental Health Committee, but has yet to advance further in the legislature, raising concerns among advocates about the urgency of its implementation, especially given recent federal cuts to mental health services.

In response to the ongoing mental health crisis, New York State has allocated $6 million for pilot programs designed to enhance crisis interventions. One such program, Hope First Roc, is set to launch in the fall of 2025, focusing on specific ZIP codes in Rochester. The initiative aims to mobilize trained peer responders to address nonviolent mental health crises by employing strategies inspired by successful models from other states.

Hope First Roc aims to establish a community-based alternative to traditional police interventions during mental health emergencies. Program responders will be equipped with training in trauma-informed and culturally competent practices to prioritize de-escalation techniques and effective communication with individuals in distress.

Since 2020, previous initiatives, such as the Person-in-Crisis team, have responded to over 35,000 emotional health calls proving the demand for dedicated mental health crisis support. Councilmember Stanley Martin has emphasized the importance of preventing mental health crises through community relationship building and creating trust between residents and emergency responders.

Trust-building and community engagement form the foundation of the Hope First Roc initiative, encouraging the development of safety plans and promoting alternatives to emergency services. The death of Daniel Prude during an encounter with police has further emphasized the need for alternative approaches to crisis management, with advocates pushing for sustainable solutions to support individuals facing mental health challenges.

As advocacy for Daniel’s Law continues, the focus remains on creating a system that better serves those in crisis, ultimately seeking to prevent tragedies like Prude’s death in the future. The growing support for community-driven alternatives highlights a shift in how society approaches mental health and public safety, underlining the necessity for effective legislation and dedicated resources in addressing this pressing issue.