The subject of homelessness and mental health issues in New York State has been a frequent topic of discussion within the realm of health care. Before discussing the topics of mental health and homelessness in New York State, it is important to define two offices that deal with Mental Health Issues such as the New York State Office of Mental Health and the Mental Health Association of New York State Incorporated.

The New York State Office of Mental Health exists with the purpose of the promotion of mental health awareness in New Yorkers with the use of education, awareness campaigns, and initiatives to prevent violence. The New York State Office of Mental Health also exists to provide hope and recovery for those who suffer from severe emotional disorders. The New York State Office of Mental Health provides funds for municipal and county governments for their programmes aimed at rehabilitation, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and peer support group therapy.

The Mental Health Association of New York State Incorporated exists as a non profit organization which works to eliminate discrimination against people with mental health issues, empower them in the promotion of their recovery, and bringing the issue of mental health to the discussion table.

One of the topics in this realm that deserves discussion is the Mental Health Initiative and Mental Health Services for people who are HIV [Human Immunodeficiency Virus] Positive which is the AIDS Institute. The AIDS Institute deals with the funding of mental health services for people who suffer from AIDS and its mental after effects. According to the web page of the New York State Department of Health, about thirty percent of patients with AIDS suffer from mental disorders. The importance of this issue is such that on the seventh of February 2008, the New York State Department of Health awarded a total of $4.4 Million in grants to twenty research and health organizations as an initiative to provide direct mental health services for patients who are HIV Positive.

The Housing Initiative in the State of New York exists in order to provide continual care to individuals and families so that they will not end homeless. The Housing Initiative is part of the AIDS Initiative taking into account that patients with AIDS [a certain amount] may be homeless. The Housing Initiative deals with the section of Financial Assistance, Operational Support in AIDS Housing [OSAH], Housing Placement, Referral Services, and Enhanced Supportive Housing Services. The Housing Initiative receives $3,850,000 in State and Federal Funds.

The issues of homelessness and mental health has been with us since the beginning of humanity. We are only addressing the surface of these two issues and how they relate to patients suffering from AIDS in New York State. The Laws and Regulations in New York State as well as other states and territories in the United States of America are constantly changing. The people of the State of New York should take the initiative and consult their state, municipal, and county web pages for any new regulations and agencies that deal with homelessness, mental health, and AIDS.

REFERENCE:

New York State Department of Health: «Mental Health Initiative» 2007
http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/aids/about/ mentalhlth.htm
Assessed on the 10th of April 2008

New York State Department of Health: «Health Department Awards Its First Grants to Support Mental Health Services For People Living With HIV» 2008
http://www.health.state.ny.us/press/releases/2008/ 2008-02-07_health_department_awards_grants_for_peopl e_living_with_hiv.htm
Assessed on the 10th of April 2008

New York State Department of Health :»Mental Health»
http://www.health.state.ny.us/community/special_ne eds/services/mental_health.htm
Assessed on the 10th of April 2008

New York State Department of Health: «Housing and Supported Housing Programs» 2007
http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/aids/about/ housing.htm
Assessed on the 10th of April 2008