Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, representing Fresh Meadows, recently hosted a vital roundtable discussion with the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) to tackle gaps in mental health services and explore ways to better support communities across Queens.
The event brought together a wide range of mental health providers, advocates, and community leaders, including New York City Council Member Linda Lee. The discussion focused on improving access to care, reducing stigma, and enhancing outreach efforts to address the unique needs of residents.
Among the attendees were OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan, Executive Deputy Commissioner Moira Tashjian, and senior OMH staff. Local organizations were also well-represented, with participants from Shalom Task Force, Yesodot, All About Kindness, the Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association, The Child Center of NY, Commonpoint Queens, Korean American Family Services, Outreach Development Corp., Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services, New Horizon Counseling Center, The Fortune Society, Long Island Counseling Center, and TSINY.
“Mental health is healthcare, and New York must provide services that are culturally competent and responsive so that all communities can access the care they deserve, especially during challenging times,” said Assemblywoman Rozic. “By breaking down barriers and fostering stronger partnerships, we can turn this vision into a reality for everyone in Queens. I’m committed to continuing this work with our partners to uplift vulnerable New Yorkers and create meaningful, long-lasting change.”
Participants emphasized the pressing need for mental health services that reflect the cultural diversity of the borough, as well as innovative care delivery models and stronger support systems for youth and families. The discussion underscored the importance of collaboration between agencies to ensure services reach the people who need them most, building a healthier and more inclusive community.
Diana Rachnaev, CEO and Co-founder of Yesodot, voiced her organization’s support for the initiative. “Yesodot stands with Assemblywoman Nily Rozic in her efforts to address mental health disparities in Queens. As an organization focused on providing social services and resources for families, we believe that prioritizing culturally competent care and meaningful partnerships is essential to addressing these issues effectively,” she said.
Lyudmila Mierova, Founder of All About Kindness, shared a similar sentiment, stating, “All About Kindness is proud to support Assemblywoman Nily Rozic’s work on improving mental health services in Queens. Compassion and community well-being are at the heart of what we do, and ensuring everyone has access to culturally sensitive care is a vital part of that mission.”
The roundtable served as an opportunity to bring together community leaders and mental health advocates to address challenges and develop solutions to improve resources in Queens. It was a call to action for everyone involved to continue working together to build a more equitable and supportive environment for all residents.
A photograph of Assemblywoman Rozic with OMH representatives and local stakeholders reflects the spirit of collaboration and determination to advance mental health services in Queens.
Original article can be found here.
0 Comments