Rochester Reporter

The City of Rochester has announced that this month’s Thursday Thinkers discussion will focus on aspects of trauma in recognition of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. The event will be moderated by Alia Henton-Williams, manager of the City’s Crisis Intervention Services Unit, which includes the Person in Crisis Team.

"Trauma is an underlying factor among some of the most difficult challenges we confront on a daily basis, including substance abuse, violent crime and chronic homelessness," said Mayor Malik D. Evans. "By bringing attention to this reality we can encourage those who experience these conditions to seek proper and timely treatment and break the destructive cycles that rob them of their full potential. We must let our residents know that it’s okay not to be okay so they can begin the healing process and live their best lives."

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in people who experience shocking, frightening, or dangerous events. Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) may develop from chronic or serial trauma.

Research indicates that low-income and minority populations experience PTSD and CPTSD symptoms at higher rates than the national average. The City’s Person in Crisis mobile support team aims to address these issues by providing trained social workers as a non-law enforcement response to mental and behavioral health crises.

Thursday Thinkers: Insights into Rochester is an adult-discussion forum held monthly at different City R-Centers to help residents learn about community resources and programs available to them.

This month's Thursday Thinkers series will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Trenton and Pamela Jackson R-Center, located at 485 N. Clinton Ave.

For more information about the City’s Person in Crisis Team, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/picteam. To request assistance from Person in Crisis Team counselors, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.