Rochester to host youth mental health and substance abuse forum on April 12, offering teens and families a safe space for dialogue, support, and resources

Rochester, New York – In an effort to address the growing concerns related to mental health and substance abuse among young people, the City of Rochester, in partnership with the Rochester City School District (RCSD), is set to host a pivotal forum. This important event will take place on Saturday, April 12, at 11 a.m., and is open to youth between the ages of 12 to 21, along with their parents or guardians. The venue for this engaging session is the School of the Arts, located at 45 Prince Street.

The forum is designed to facilitate a robust exchange of ideas and experiences among the youth, providing them with a platform to voice their concerns, questions, and hopes regarding mental health and substance abuse within their community.

Through a panel discussion, participants will have the opportunity to discuss these critical issues with their peers. Additionally, the day will include various workshops and breakout sessions, where both young people and adults can gain valuable insights and information about mental health and substance abuse resources available to them.

Highlighting the importance of the event, Rochester’s Mayor Malik D. Evans emphasized the connection between community challenges and mental health issues.

“Many of the challenges we have in our city and country are increasingly tied to mental health,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “With this forum, as well as through our ongoing work in the mental health space, we are striving to equip young adults with the tools they need for positive growth and development. Parents and guardians provide critical support for our young people, and so we invite them to join us in this effort as well.”

“Supporting the mental health of our students is essential to their success in school and life. When we create a safe space for open conversations about the challenges our children face, those challenges become more manageable,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland. “This forum provides an opportunity to engage young people and their families in meaningful discussions on mental health and substance abuse, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need to navigate these issues.”

The initiative has been collaboratively developed with the RCSD My Brother’s Keeper Fellows and is organized by the Mayor’s Office of Special Projects and Educational Initiatives along with the Rochester City School District. Additional support for the event comes from various community organizations including the City of Rochester My Brother’s Keeper program, Teen Empowerment, The Center for Youth, In Control, Planned Parenthood, and BreatheDeep, Inc.

Those interested in attending the forum can RSVP for this free event through the City’s website at CityofRochester.gov/YouthForum. Lunch will be provided, ensuring that attendees can focus on the discussions and activities planned. For further details or inquiries, contact the Mayor’s Office of Special Projects and Educational Initiatives at 585-428-7192. This forum not only promises to be an informative experience but also a stepping stone towards empowering Rochester’s youth and their families in tackling mental health and substance abuse issues effectively.