Mayor announces mental health initiatives amid city violence

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – It’s been over a week since seven people were shot, two fatally, during a barbecue at a city park.

The gunfire at Maplewood Park erupted during a community barbecue around 6:20 p.m. Sunday, July 28, sending hundreds of people running for cover. Two women, Tyasia Manning and Phylicia Council, were killed. The five other victims have been recovering.

No arrests have been announced. Rochester Police have released images of people they want to talk to in connection with the shooting.

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At a press conference on Monday, Mayor Malik Evans talked about an initiative to address mental health amid city violence.

“If you were there Sunday night and experienced trauma, I want people to know that you don’t have to experience that trauma alone,” Evans said.

This past week also saw a five-year-old boy die in a fire on Portland Avenue.

The city wants to “normalize” conversations about mental health he said, noting first responders, people at the park, and all of their family and friends have all been impacted.

To that end, free walk-in sessions for people needing counseling will be held at various R-Centers.

“This is not normal,” said Dr. Shirley Green, commissioner of the city’s recreation and human services department. “All of these people will never be the same all because of the violence of selfish people.”

People can also call (585) 428-6630 to reach the community support team. The Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 is also available for support.

And while the number of shootings decreased from 42 in July 2023 to 24 in July 2024, he said it’s still too many.

“But that is no solace for individuals that are victims of shooting and that is why we have to send the message that no shooting is normal,” he said. “We’re still not satisfied because if you have people being shot in a park or sitting on their porch, being shot, that is not something that should happen in a civilized society.”

Over the next three nights, the city has free counseling sessions at the following locations:

Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5-7 p.m.
Edgerton R-Center
41 Backus St.

Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 5-7 p.m.
Carter R-Center
500 Carter St.

Thursday, Aug. 8 from 5-7 p.m.
Tomas P. Ryan R-Center
500 Webster Ave.

Future dates will be posted when they are announced.