Description

Held on the third Tuesday of the month, we will highlight the works of CCSI and our partners, spotlighting programs in unique and intimate ways with special guests, while focusing on regional and statewide issues. CCSI has been reshaping communities and leading with compassion for the last 30 years. Our goal is to bring people together to break down the silos and build a stronger community. CCSI is proud to be the community convener, recognized as the “go-to organization” providing experts and staff to guide and educate organizations and partners in transforming and reshaping their practice!

Designating May as Mental Health month serves to underscore the importance of mental health and to remind us that nearly one in five Americans lives with a mental health condition, and while we have made progress in expanding mental health services, many communities still face barriers in accessing the mental health they need. These challenges have become more pronounced over the past two years as we’ve faced the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing to highlight disparities faced by communities of color and those living in poverty.

In this panel, we’ll hear from experts at the State and local levels about important, innovative efforts to reshape the way we conceptualize, deliver, and fund mental health services in New York State.

Moderator: Rodney Corry, Vice President, Program Management, Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI)

Presenters:

Samra G. Brouk, NYS Senator, Chair of Committee on Mental Health, NYS Senate

Dr. Ann Sullivan, Commissioner, NYS Office of Mental Health

Dr. April Aycock, Director, Monroe County Office of Mental Health

Rev. Dr. Jonathan Jamel McReynolds, Pastor, Aenon Missionary Baptist Church

Melanie Funchess, CEO, Ubuntu Village Works

Sara Taylor, CEO, BIPOC PEEEEEEK