Rochester Reporter

The City of Rochester and the Rochester City School District are preparing to host a forum focused on mental health and substance abuse, inviting youth between the ages of 12 and 21, along with their parents or guardians. The event will take place on Saturday, April 12, at 11 a.m. at the School of the Arts, located at 45 Prince St. Attendance is free, and those interested are encouraged to RSVP via the City of Rochester's website.

The forum aims to provide a platform for young attendees to express their views and queries during a panel discussion. Workshops and breakout sessions will offer comprehensive information on mental health and substance abuse issues, and resources will be made available. Attendees will be provided with lunch during the event.

Mayor Malik D. Evans underscored the significance of addressing mental health challenges, remarking, "Many of the challenges we have in our city and country are increasingly tied to mental health. 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."

Interim Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland highlighted the importance of supporting student mental health. "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 Dr. 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 event is being organized in collaboration with the RCSD My Brother’s Keeper Fellows, taking place with joint efforts from the Mayor’s Office of Special Projects and Educational Initiatives and the Rochester City School District. Additional support is being provided by the City of Rochester My Brother’s Keeper program, Teen Empowerment, The Center for Youth, In Control, Planned Parenthood, and BreatheDeep, Inc.

For further inquiries, individuals may reach out to the Mayor’s Office of Special Projects and Educational Initiatives at 585-428-7192.