If Daniel Prude had received the proper mental health support when he was experiencing a mental health crisis in March of 2020, he would have been able to celebrate his birthday with his family this past Wednesday. Instead, Rochester Police responded to his emergency and killed him. Tragically, Daniel Prude’s experience was not uncommon due to police being the default response to mental health and substance use related crises, but his killing has sparked a push throughout New York to establish a statewide non-police mental health response system so no one else is killed when they reach out for support during an emergency.
In his memory, communities across New York State will gather tomorrow (Saturday September 23rd) to honor those killed by police and advocate for the passage of Daniel’s Law, a bill that would remove police as the default response to mental health crises and allow Peers/Mental health workers and EMT’s to be first responders.
At these events, you’ll have the chance to hear from State and municipal legislators fighting to transform how we respond to mental health crises in NY, alongside families of those directly impacted. You’ll also have the chance to learn about mental health and wellness resources available in your community and how you can get involved in the fight for Daniel’s Law!
See below for more information, including locations and registration links.
Albany
West Capitol Park, 12-3pm
Complete Registration
Brooklyn
NEW LOCATION: St. Anthony’s Baptist Church, (425 Utica Ave), 3-7pm
Complete Registration
Rochester
Jefferson and McCree, 1-4pm
Complete Registration
