Behavioral Health
The initiatives in this domain engage and support Behavioral Health Care Collaborative networks and individual providers in building program capacity, connections to primary care, integrating peer support services, and implementation of quality improvement initiatives that improve behavioral health outcomes.
Behavioral Health
City of Rochester Crisis Intervention Services
We partnered with the City of Rochester Department of Recreation and Human Services and Recovery Options Made Easy (ROME) to expand the City’s Crisis Intervention Services (CIS) program to include NYS Certified Peer Specialists. The one year project began in September 2021 and ended in August of 2022.
Peers have lived experience which helps them relate to and assist people in crisis. CIS) responds to individuals experiencing mental health or other crisis requiring intervention and support. In a post-initiative survey, CIS staff members described their peer engagement strategies as “sharing real life examples to connect and build a relationship with the client.”
The Peers, who were hired and supervised by ROME, joined the CIS team to provide person-centered support to City of Rochester residents experiencing crises such as, but not limited to, suicidal behavior, domestic violence, and substance abuse. The Peers assisted in providing follow-up support, including referrals to resources that are available in the community.
The City of Rochester is planning to utilize peers to support individuals experiencing crisis going forward.
Our Community Partners


CALLS A YEAR TO THE RPD ARE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE-RELATED
*Published in Democrat and Chronicle January 2021
FAMILIES IN ROCHESTER NEIGHBORHOODS NEED BETTER ACCESS TO PRIMARY AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

