Two years ago, at the Times Square subway station in New York City, a horrifying incident occurred where Michelle Alyssa Go, a 40-year-old Asian executive at Deloitte, was tragically pushed onto the subway tracks by a 61-year-old homeless man named Martial Simon, who suffered from mental illness, resulting in her untimely death. This event not only sparked concerns about the safety of Asian individuals but also united congress members representing New York from both parties, who joined forces in the name of Michelle Alyssa Go to propose strengthening mental health services.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, Democratic Congressman Daniel Goldman from New York announced on May 23, along with Republican Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis from New York, Democratic Congressman Tony Cárdenas from California, and Republican Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis from Florida, the introduction of the “Michelle Alyssa Go Act.” This act aims to increase the number of psychiatric hospital beds available to individuals eligible for federal Medicaid seeking mental health and substance abuse services. The bill also garnered support from Michelle’s father, Justin Go.
On January 15, 2022, while waiting at the Times Square subway station, Michelle Alyssa Go was pushed onto the tracks by Simon, leading to a fatal collision with an oncoming train. Reports indicate that Simon had been suffering from schizophrenia since his thirties, moving between hospitals, prisons, and mental health clinics without receiving the long-term care he needed.
Congressman Goldman stated in a press release, “If our nation had a more comprehensive and equitable mental healthcare system, Michelle Alyssa Go might still be alive today.” He pointed out that the mental health crisis in the United States has worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic, with more individuals in urgent need of mental health care unable to access treatment, resulting in tragic outcomes.
“I am proposing this legislation in memory of Michelle Alyssa Go to bridge the gap in mental healthcare, revitalize communities, make streets safer, and ensure that those in need receive the care they require,” Goldman said.
Congresswoman Malliotakis of New York added, “The tragedy that befell Michelle Alyssa Go was preventable. If the perpetrator had not slipped through the cracks of the criminal justice system but received the mental care he urgently needed, this tragedy could have been avoided. I am proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Goldman to expand the number of psychiatric beds covered by Medicaid, providing more opportunities for treatment and support to those in New York suffering from severe mental illnesses.”