The Alliance for Rights and Recovery is convening a Regional Advocacy Forum this coming Monday (January 12) in Long Island 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.
This forum is not just a conversation. It is 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 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 for each forum will be announced tomorrow!
Long Island Regional Forum
When: January 12th, 2:00 – 4:30 PM
Where: South Oaks Hospital, 400 Sunrise Hwy, Amityville, NY 11701
Speakers:
Harvey Rosenthal and Luke Sikinyi, Alliance for Rights and Recovery
Ismael Diaz, Center for Community Alternatives (CCA)
Jayette Lansbury, Forensic Rehabilitation Act
League of Women Voters
Others to be announced
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!