Call for decriminalization of of mental illness
A national mental health leader says too many people with serious mental health issues are lost in the system.
FEATURED STORIES
MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE
WBFO’s Mental Health Initiative is to normalize the conversation about mental illness by bringing this issue from the shadows into everyday light. This two-year project will provide in-depth coverage of mental health issues and help to build the mental health literacy of our community.This two-year project will provide in-depth coverage of mental health issues and help to build the mental health literacy of our community.
WBFO's Mental Health Initiative
WBFO's Mental Health Initiative is funded by the Patrick P. Lee Foundation.
Family support centers provide mental health services
Some local districts involved with the WNY Family Support Center Coalition have been addressing student mental health needs for years.
New anti-bullying effort aims to share resources
A new project is working to help children learn to stop bullying before it begins in Western New York
Community Conversations
WATCH ONLINE NOW | TEACHING MENTAL HEALTH | WBFO FACEBOOK LIVE EVENT
Teaching Mental Health | Watch
As the school year begins, a new law mandates mental health education for students across New York. We're discussing the new curriculum that aims to teach children about their mental well-being and what it means for teachers and students.
As part of WBFO’s Mental Health Initiative, senior reporter Eileen Buckley lead a conversation with New York State Regent Catherine Fisher Collins, who represents Western New York; Michael Cornell, Superintendent of the Hamburg Central School District; and Mark Laurrie, Superintendent of the Niagara Falls School District.
WATCH ONLINE NOW | IN PURSUIT OF HEALING | WBFO FACEBOOK LIVE EVENT
As part of WBFO's Mental Health Initiative, senior reporter Eileen Buckley lead a panel discussion about the dramatic changes in treatment over the years. Panelists discussed "breaking the stigma" to generate a new understanding of mental illness.
Latest Stories from the WBFO Mental Health Initiative
More on Mental Health from Public Media
PBS NewsHour
Journalist's journey guided by her father's illness
6:16
Published:
A journalist's journey, guided by curiosity for her father's illness
PBS NewsHour
Crisis team helps those with mental health issues avoid jail
10:06
Published:
An estimated 2 million people suffering from mental illness are booked into county jails.
PBS NewsHour
'Portraits of Resilience' destigmatize depression at MIT
6:42
Published:
Students at MIT are now part of a project to give a face and voice to a growing crisis.
PBS NewsHour
What it’s like to be arrested while suffering mental illness
3:10
Published:
Paton Blough uses his experiences to help train police officers in crisis management.
PBS NewsHour
Treating mental illness with medicine and religion in India
7:26
Published:
Treating mental illness with medicine and religion in India
PBS NewsHour
Mental illness consumed my marriage -- until this epiphany
3:27
Published:
Why we should redefine how we cope with illnesses to include the voice of caregivers.
PBS NewsHour
Refugees in need of mental health help flounder on Lesbos
8:23
Published:
Middle Eastern refugees are in need of mental health help on the island of Lesbos.
PBS NewsHour
Kids and smartphones: What's the mental health impact?
6:50
Published:
Smartphones have changed the way kids live and interact, prompting growing concerns.
PBS NewsHour
More on smartphones
8:05
Published:
An increasingly wireless world is taking a toll on an entire generation's mental health.
PBS NewsHour
The devastating, underdiagnosed toll of toxic stress on kids
3:20
Published:
The devastating, underdiagnosed toll of toxic stress on kids
Healthy Minds with Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein
Technology and Mental Health
26:59
Published:
Learn how social media and smart phone technologies can help people monitor themselves.
Healthy Minds with Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein
Youth and Mental Health: Early Intervention
26:56
Published:
Early intervention by parents can be a major factor in children’s mental health.
Side Effects Public Media
Out Of Options
Parents Of Children With Mental Illness Trade Custody For Treatment
Missouri HEalth TAlks
Mental Health and Disability
'I Was Depressed Before I Was Blind"
RESOURCES
General Support
For general support, help finding a counselor or mental health resource in in Erie County, contact The Mental Health Advocates of WNY at 716-886-1242
Link: http://www.eriemha.org/
NAMI-Buffalo & Erie County
Link: http://namibuffalony.org/
NYS Office of Mental Health
Link: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/bootstrap/providers.html
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for Primary Care
Link: www.cappcny.org/home
Just Tell One Campaign:
Link: http://justtellone.org/
Several of the counties and agencies in WNY have compiled lists of providers:
In Erie County:
List of Providers
Link: http://www2.erie.gov/mentalhealth/index.php?q=list-contract-agencies
Assisted Outpatient Providers (Kendra's Law) Link: http://www2.erie.gov/mentalhealth/index.php?q=assisted-outpatient-treatment
Chemical Dependence Services
Link: http://www2.erie.gov/mentalhealth/index.php?q=erie-county-chemical-dependency-treatment-resource-guide
In Niagara County:
List of Providers
Link http://www.mhanc.com/programs-service-providers.php
In Chautauqua County:
List of Providers
Link: http://chautauqua.ny.us/DocumentCenter/View/1289/CCMH-Emergency-Phone-Numbers?bidId=
For general support, help finding a counselor or mental health resource in in Erie County, contact The Mental Health Advocates of WNY at 716-886-1242
Link: http://www.eriemha.org/
NAMI-Buffalo & Erie County
Link: http://namibuffalony.org/
NYS Office of Mental Health
Link: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/bootstrap/providers.html
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for Primary Care
Link: www.cappcny.org/home
Just Tell One Campaign:
Link: http://justtellone.org/
Several of the counties and agencies in WNY have compiled lists of providers:
In Erie County:
List of Providers
Link: http://www2.erie.gov/mentalhealth/index.php?q=list-contract-agencies
Assisted Outpatient Providers (Kendra's Law) Link: http://www2.erie.gov/mentalhealth/index.php?q=assisted-outpatient-treatment
Chemical Dependence Services
Link: http://www2.erie.gov/mentalhealth/index.php?q=erie-county-chemical-dependency-treatment-resource-guide
In Niagara County:
List of Providers
Link http://www.mhanc.com/programs-service-providers.php
In Chautauqua County:
List of Providers
Link: http://chautauqua.ny.us/DocumentCenter/View/1289/CCMH-Emergency-Phone-Numbers?bidId=
Campaigns
Just Tell One, from the Mental Health Association of Erie County
Link: http://justtellone.org/
Let’s Talk Stigma, from the Erie County Anti Stigma Coalition
Link: https://letstalkstigma.org/
Suicide Helplines and Prevention Resources
24 Hour Crisis Hotline Buffalo & Erie County
716-834-3131
24 Hour Addiction Hotline
716-831-7007
Kids Helpline
16-834-1144
1-877-KIDS-400
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255.
Allegany County
Crisis Line: 888-448-3367 (24 hour)
Chautauqua County Suicide Prevention and Crisis Hotline
1-800-724-0461
Cattaraugus County
Olean General Hospital 24 Hour Crisis Hotline 1-800-339-5209
Orleans County
The Care and Crisis Help Line
585-283-5200 Text: 741741
Niagara
24 Hour Crisis Services
716-285-3515
Genesee County
585-283-5200
Text: 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255.
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://afsp.org/chapter/afsp-western-new-york/
FEATURED VIDEOS
Just Tell One
How to Have Your Just Tell One Conversation On Mental Health
Telling one person about a mental health or addiction issue is a simple concept, but that doesn't make it easy. Youth and professionals explain the steps to starting the conversation.
PBS NewsHour
How students who struggle with mental illness can find help
These three high-achieving students at one of the world's most prestigious universities have also suffered crippling depression and been through years of therapy and medication. In the second part of his report, Jeffrey Brown hears how they got help with debilitating illness, then learns more about student mental health challenges and solutions from Alfiee Breland-Noble of Georgetown University.
Video/Audio from WBFO's Mental Health Initiative
WBFO
Dan & George; One man treats his depression by giving back
It is estimated that 300-million people suffer from depression across the world. Experts say it's important to take action to deal with it. As part of our Mental Health Initiative, WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley says a local attorney found a way to help others as a way of enhancing his own mood.
Erie County & Suicide prevention leaders kicked Suicide Prevention Week Tuesday. A yellow 'Flag of Hope' was hoisted up the flag pole in front of the county Rath Building in downtown Buffalo.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/eileen.buckley/videos/10155776108183441/
A woman who escaped domestic violence and conquered alcoholism is sharing her story to offer hope for others. Jillian James who says a women's shelter and food assistance saved her life.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/eileen.buckley/videos/10155690438383441
Link: https://www.facebook.com/eileen.buckley/videos/10155776108183441/
A woman who escaped domestic violence and conquered alcoholism is sharing her story to offer hope for others. Jillian James who says a women's shelter and food assistance saved her life.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/eileen.buckley/videos/10155690438383441
The focus of WBFO’s Mental Health Initiative is to normalize the conversation about mental illness by bringing this issue from the shadows into everyday light. This two-year project will provide in-depth coverage of mental health issues and help to build the mental health literacy of our community.
WBFO's Mental Health Initiative is funded by the Patrick P. Lee Foundation
WBFO's Mental Health Initiative is funded by the Patrick P. Lee Foundation