ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Local lawmakers shined a spotlight on mental health in Monroe County. Assemblywoman Sarah Clark and the office of Sen. Samra Brouk held a press conference Thursday following a behavioral health roundtable discussion on the community’s needs.
Organizers highlighted the effectiveness of the 988 crisis line, which helps identify who needs assistance, what they need help with, and how they are getting it.
“One of the intentions behind 988 – being not just a suicide hotline, but also a crisis hotline. So when you feel yourself needing some additional assistance, when you are starting to have those early warning signs, you can reach out and get help before it escalates,” said Jennifer Lake, president and CEO of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes.
In 2025, the Behavioral Health Needs Assessment was issued by Common Ground Health to provide an overview of behavioral health in Monroe County.
The goal of the report was to find the most pressing mental health and substance-related needs in the community, understand where current systems aren’t meeting demand, and find ways to improve services, resources, and coordination across the local behavioral health system.
The roundtable was held in partnership with Common Ground Health. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24-hour support from trained crisis counselors. People can call or text 988 for help with mental health struggles, emotional distress, or drug and alcohol abuse.
Read the full report below:
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