BUFFALO, N.Y. — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and on Friday, there's a flash mob at the Central Library to dance away the stigma.
Thursday, we talked with the organizer of the event about why it's so important to get people talking about mental health.
"Since the pandemic, we had an up rise in mental health. Not only that, homelessness as well. Which kind of plays hand-in-hand. And, there's still a stigma out there," said Cornelius Delaney, Program Manager and Community Engagement Officer with Restoration Society.
And that's why Delaney is making mental heath resources available to everyone Friday at Lafayette Square and the Central Library.
"We need to get people aware of the services available in their community, get people to kind of be a part of breaking the stigma. It's a big problem in Western New York. Everywhere in the whole nation, but we're starting here at Flash Mob Awareness here at the Buffalo Library every year," Delaney said.
The activities start at 11 a.m. Friday with a guest speaker, Erie County Legislative Chair April Baskin.
"We're going to have a BBQ, the Peacemakers are going to be a part of that, they're going to be BBQing, we're going to have DJ Paulie, he's going to be setting off probably around the same time as the guest speaker, right after her," Delaney said.
Several partner organizations will be there offering information about their services, along with arts and crafts activities. Delaney says if you're struggling with your mental health, he encourages you to stop by.
"Restoration Society, we specialize in peer support, and if you need help, if you need to talk to someone, we are here. Just come and meet these people that can help you get through your journey on mental health," Delaney said.
This Flash Mob began after a student athlete at the University at Buffalo completed suicide.
"This started because of Jonathan Ramos. I think that suicide is something that's not really talked about. Mental health is something that's not really talked about, and Jonathan Ramos, when he completed his suicide, it wasn't very ... he did it publicly, so we want this event to be public. We want the community to see that we are here, we have organizations, we have people to help you, and we need you guys to come out and support and find the help, seek the help. Don't be afraid because that's what's stopping a lot of people from getting the help," Delaney said.
The event is free and everyone is welcome, and there will be dancing.
"It's going to be a dance for, to fight the stigma of mental health. It's going to be a great event. I advise to everybody that knows somebody or might be a part of the mental health movement to come out and celebrate with us," Delaney said.
The event is from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday, but the flash mob is happening at noon.