The Alliance for Rights and Recovery is convening Regional Advocacy Forums in Long Island and New York City in January to bring our community together at a critical moment for mental health and substance use policy. With major federal shifts, a new legislative session coming, and growing urgency around crisis response, housing, and justice reform, this is the time to organize, mobilize, and strengthen our collective voice.
These forums are not just conversations. They are a call to action. Together, we will:
- Identify the most pressing local needs in mental health and substance use services
- Break down how recent federal policy changes will impact care in our communities
- Shape a shared advocacy agenda for the year ahead
- Address the intersection of criminal justice and mental health, including crisis response and diversion
- Prepare together for the Alliance’s Annual Legislative Day on February 10th (sign up for more legislative day alerts here: Legislative Day 2026 Interest Form)
The New York City forum will also include focused discussion on the recent Mayoral transition and what it could mean for how the city responds to mental health and substance use needs.
Each forum will include food, opportunities to connect with advocates and leaders from across the system, and a raffle for a free scholarship to the Alliance’s Annual Conference this fall. Speakers will be announced soon.
Forum Details
Long Island Regional Forum
When: January 12th, 2:00 – 4:30 PM
Where: South Oaks Hospital, 400 Sunrise Hwy, Amityville, NY 11701
New York City Regional Forum
When: January 13th, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Baltic Street Wellness Solutions, 882 3rd Avenue, 10th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11232
We need you in the room to ensure New York protects rights, strengthens recovery-oriented services, and prioritizes community-based solutions. These forums will help set the direction of our advocacy in the year ahead. Join us and be part of the movement!