(Just The News)—New York City Mayor Eric Adams has proposed a controversial new law to get drug addicts off the city’s streets by expanding the state’s involuntary commitment laws.
The Compassionate Interventions Act, if approved by the state Legislature, would give doctors and medical professionals authority to hold someone at a hospital if they believe the person is at risk because of substance use. If the individual refuses treatment, a court order could mandate it. Currently, the involuntary commitment law only deals with people suffering from mental illness and only allows them to be held for evaluation.
In remarks on Thursday, Adams acknowledged that the plan is controversial and is likely to face pushback from some groups but called it a matter of public safety and health that needs to be addressed.
“We know there’s skepticism, but I’ll tell you what New Yorkers don’t want. They don’t want someone injecting themselves with drugs on their porches,” Adams told reporters Thursday. “They don’t want someone in the subway system that’s under the influence of some form of substance abuse. This cannot be allowed to continue. We must help those struggling to finally get treatment, whether they recognize the need for it or not.”
The proposed legislation would allow medical professionals to admit someone they believe is struggling with substance use to a hospital for evaluation. It would also allow a judge to mandate treatment even if that person is unwilling to go into it voluntarily. It also calls for spending $27 million on improving access to drug treatment and increasing funding for the city’s syringe service programs by $14 million.
But Adams’ proposal drew criticism from homeless advocates and substance abuse groups who said it will do nothing to address the root causes of substance abuse and further stigmatize people dealing with the scourge of addiction.
“New Yorkers suffering from substance-use disorder will continue to suffer until they have the resources they need and decide for themselves to get well,” Ann-Marie Foster, president and CEO of Phoenix House New York, said in a statement. “Involuntary commitment for severe substance use disorder just doesn’t work-and raises countless clinical and ethical concerns around patient autonomy and justice.”
The Legal Aid Society also blasted the proposal in a statement that claimed it “will not solve the drug war or end the overdose crisis; it will only deepen mistrust, waste resources, and cause lasting harm to the very people the city claims to want to help.”
“Forcing New Yorkers struggling with addiction into involuntary detention is traumatic, raises serious civil rights concerns, and does nothing to address the root causes of substance use,” the statement said. “If the mayor were serious about saving lives, he would invest in proven harm-reduction strategies, voluntary treatment, permanent housing, and community-based supports — not policies that amount to state-sanctioned incarceration in medical settings.”
In May, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a state budget that included a provision expanding the state’s involuntary allowing authorities to take mentally ill people off the streets if they’re too sick to feed, clothe or take care of their own basic needs. Before the policy changes were approved, mentally ill homeless people could only be committed against their will if they showed a substantial risk of physically harming themselves or others.
How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
- Extended Shelf Life: Up to 25 years of storage, so you can buy once and forget about rotation worries.
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Unlike generic store-bought cans that spoil quickly or lack variety, Heaven’s Harvest focuses on quality and sustainability. Our food is freeze-dried or dehydrated to lock in flavor and nutrients, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving. And for those concerned about allergens or dietary preferences, we offer gluten-free and vegetarian options to keep everyone covered.
Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
Visit Heaven’s Harvest today and use code “PATRIOT” for an exclusive discount on your order. Don’t let limitations hold you back; build your resilient future, one meal at a time. Your family will thank you when it matters most.
