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Aug 5, 2024
R-Centers

Mayor Evans announces additional mental health support available at City R-Centers

During an update about last weekend’s shooting incident at Maplewood Park, Mayor Malik D. Evans was joined today by City and County leaders to announce three events designed to connect community members to important mental health support systems.

“We are not going to accept destructive behavior. We are not going to lower our standards of what is acceptable. We are going to raise them,” said Mayor Evans. “One way we are going to do that is to help community members address the trauma that incidents like this cause.”

Monroe County Director of Mental Health Services, Dr. April Aycock, shared the County’s continued commitment to supporting the City’s efforts. The County’s Forensic Intervention Team (FIT) will join the City’s Person In Crisis (PIC) team, along with City partner BreatheDeep, to provide mental health services to anyone impacted by the shooting last weekend at Maplewood Park.

"Monroe County's Forensic Intervention Team (FIT) is dedicated to providing critical mental health support to our community, especially in times of crisis," Dr. Aycock said. "The tragic incident at Maplewood Park has left deep scars on many, and it is our duty to help heal these wounds. By partnering with the City, we ensure anyone affected by this tragedy receives the compassionate care they need. Together, we will address the trauma, foster resilience, and build a stronger, more connected community."

“Dozens of people were there when Tyasia Manning and Phylicia Council were killed, and dozens more knew them and love them,” said Dr. Shirley Green, City Commissioner of the Department of Recreation and Human Services. “We will never be the same, but we can come together and work to heal the trauma caused by that incident.”

The City will conduct three events, free for Rochester residents, at City R-Centers where PIC, FIT and BreatheDeep counselors will be available to provide immediate support and connect people to longer-term help as needed.

“We will not normalize violence,” said Mayor Evans. “And while the Rochester Police Department and our law enforcement partners work to address the perpetrators of violence, we will work together with the County and our community partners to address the trauma that violence leaves behind.”