The city of Rochester is taking proactive steps to address the mental health concerns of its teenagers with the launch of a new youth mental health initiative. The program begins with a community survey that aims to identify key factors affecting the overall well-being of young people in the city. Questions such as “Do you feel safe at home, in school, and in your neighborhood?”, “How often do you eat in a day?”, and “Do you have reliable housing at least four nights a week?” are included in the survey.
Once areas of concern are identified, the initiative will transition into the next phase, which includes peer-led workshops focused on these issues. These workshops will be led by teenagers who are members of Youth Voice One Vision, a council comprising members of Mayor Malik Evans’ Youth Advisory Council. Sarah Adams, a youth activist and council member, encouraged her peers to participate in the survey and contribute to improving mental health outcomes for Rochester’s youth.
The summer serves as a soft launch for the program, but next year will see its full rollout. Isaac Bliss, manager of youth services with the city’s Department of Recreation and Human Services, emphasized that this initiative is crucial for shaping a brighter future for Rochester’s young people. Teenagers, parents, recreation center staff, and teachers are encouraged to participate in the survey on the city’s website.