Mental Health Awareness Flash Mob Coming to Downtown Buffalo Friday

BUFFALO, NY — May is Mental Health Awareness Month and on Friday there will be a flash mob at the Central Library to eliminate the stigma.

On Thursday, we spoke with the event organizer about why it’s so important to spread the word about mental health.

“Since the pandemic, we’ve seen an increase in mental health. And not only that, homelessness as well. Which goes hand in hand. And there’s still a stigma,” said Cornelius Delaney, head of the program and the community. Engagement Officer with the Restoration Society.

And that’s why Delaney is making mental health resources available to everyone Friday at Lafayette Square and the Central Library.

“We need to make people aware of the services available in their community, get them to help somehow break the stigma. It’s a big problem in Western New York. All over the country, but we start here at Flash Mob Awareness here at the Buffalo Library every year,” Delaney said.

Activities begin Friday at 11 a.m. with guest speaker, Erie County Legislative Chairwoman April Baskin.

“We’re going to have a barbecue, the Peacemakers are going to be part of it, they’re going to have a barbecue, we’re going to have DJ Paulie, he’s going to leave probably around the same time as the guest speaker, right after her,” Delaney said .

Several partner organizations will be on site to offer information on their services as well as arts and crafts activities. Delaney says if you have mental health issues, he encourages you to come see us.

“Restoration Society, we specialize in peer support, and if you need help, if you need to talk to someone, we’re here. Just come and meet these people who can help you through your mental health journey,” Delaney said.

This Flash Mob began after a University at Buffalo student-athlete committed suicide.

“It started because of Jonathan Ramos. I think suicide is something that we don’t really talk about. Mental health is something that we don’t really talk about, and Jonathan Ramos, when he took his own life, that was not very… he did we want this event to be public We want the community to see that we are here, that we have organizations, that we have people to help you, and we. we need you to come, support and find help, seek “Don’t be afraid, because that’s what’s stopping a lot of people from getting help,” Delaney said.

The event is free and everyone is welcome, and there will be dancing.

“It will be a dance to fight the stigma around mental health. It will be a great event. I urge anyone who knows someone or might be part of the mental health movement to come and celebrate with us,” , Delaney said.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, but the flash mob will take place at noon.