RASE seeks community input on mental health, substance abuse issues

Kevin Oklobzija//October 7, 2020//

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A Zoom Community Voices Session hosted by the Commission on Racial and Structural Equality will help its Mental Health and Addiction Workgroup better understand how structural racism and inequities have prevented individuals and families from receiving the best available care for mental health and substance abuse problems.

The virtual session takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and community members are invited to register to share their personal experiences as well as ideas on how to improve the system.

A panel of behavioral health experts, community leaders, as well as children and family advocates will answer questions and offer feedback to the community.

Event panelists include: Lawana Jones, president and CEO, The Autism Council of Rochester, Inc.; Elizabeth J. Santos, associate professor of Psychiatry, Neurology & Medicine Clinical Chief, Division of Geriatric Mental Health & Memory Care University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry; April Aycock, clinical coordinator for the URMC/Strong Recovery Adolescent and Young Adult Substance Use Disorder; Rudy Rivera, executive director at Father Laurence Tracy Advocacy Center; and Melanie Funchess, community mental health advocate, Greater Rochester Black Agenda Group.

“I am excited to hear from the citizens of this community who want to join us in overcoming systemic and institutional inequities as well as racism in our city and our county,” RASE co-chair Dr. Mohammad Shafiq said in a news release. “We are at a tipping point and this input and feedback will help the commission develop recommendations for policies and laws that are inclusive of the community’s specific needs.”

Those interested in speaking during the Community Voices Session can join the Zoom conference by signing up at rocrase.com/events.

The event will be streamed live on the RASE Facebook page.

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