Assembly Member Rozic tackles mental health disparities in Queens at roundtable

In an effort to address Queens’ growing mental health needs, Assembly Member Nily Rozic convened a roundtable with the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and a coalition of local leaders and organizations to explore solutions and strengthen community support systems.

The event held on Thursday, Jan. 16, designed to identify and bridge gaps in mental health services, emphasized culturally competent care and building stronger community partnerships to ensure all Queens residents have access to the support they need.

The roundtable featured prominent state officials, including OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan, Executive Deputy Commissioner Moira Tashjian, and senior staff from the NYS OMH. Joining them were representatives from a diverse array of local advocacy and service organizations, such as the Child Center of NY, Commonpoint Queens, the Shalom Task Force, Korean American Family Services, Yesodot, All About Kindness, Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association, Outreach Development Corp., Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services, New Horizon Counseling Center, The Fortune Society, Long Island Counseling Center and TSINY.

New York City Council Member Linda Lee, who represents the 23rd Council District encompassing neighborhoods like Bayside Hills, Bellerose, Douglaston, Little Neck, and Queens Village, was also in attendance. As chair of the City Council’s Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions, Lee has been a steadfast advocate for expanding access to care and strengthening support systems for Queens’ diverse communities.

During the discussion, Lee emphasized the importance of developing innovative strategies to reduce stigma, enhance outreach, and improve care delivery for vulnerable populations, underscoring her commitment to addressing the borough’s mental health challenges.

“Mental health is healthcare, and New York must provide culturally competent and responsive services to ensure all communities have access to the care they deserve, particularly during these difficult moments,” said Rozic. “By breaking down barriers and building stronger partnerships, we can make this a reality for every person in Queens.”

Rozic represents the 25th Assembly District, which includes parts of  Flushing, Hillcrest, Fresh Meadows, and Bayside. Since taking office, she has been a staunch advocate for mental health, education, and community development, championing policies that address the needs of one of New York City’s most diverse districts.

Participants highlighted the urgent need for tailored services that reflect the borough’s diversity, particularly for youth and families facing significant challenges. Many underscored the critical importance of interagency collaboration to ensure services reach those who need them most.

The event is part of a broader effort led by Rozic to prioritize mental health as an essential component of public health and wellbeing. With the diverse perspectives and actionable ideas generated at the roundtable, Rozic pledged to continue working with state and local partners to turn these discussions into tangible improvements for Queens communities.

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