BATAVIA, N.Y. — There's no shortage of stressors in our climate today, from finances to politics and violence. 

In Genesee and Orleans counties, mental health providers are making efforts to tackle the stigma of mental health with some upcoming national research to seek the public's perspective about what they think is needed to get people what they need.

Lynda Battaglia, Genesee County’s director of mental health and community services, gave a tour of the Recovery Station in Batavia, a safe social place for support for people in recovery.

What You Need To Know

  • Genesee and Orleans counties will use NORC at the University of Chicago to conduct listening tours for community feedback about mental health

  • Opioid settlement money is funding the research

  • Residents, business owners, school and church leaders are encouraged to particpate in the mental health survey happening the next several months

"It's a place where people can come and watch a football game with a bunch of other people who are in recovery or not,” said Battaglia.

She’s proud of what they do there, along with the other mental health providers in this rural county, but says she knows more needs to be done.

"People are dying every day, not only in Genesee County, but everywhere else," Battaglia said. "And it's our responsibilities as providers and my responsibility to say OK, where do we start and what are we doing?"

To help, Genesee and Orleans counties want to give those with insights, such as families and members of the recovery community, a chance to share what they think with the National Opinion Research Center. It’s community research to foster questions and inspire support. NORC will ask residents, business owners, education and faith leaders directly for feedback about substance abuse, mental health and suicide.

"I want to be able to tackle stigma. I want services to be available for anybody that needs it," Battaglia said. "Is it education, is it public awareness, is it focus groups? What is it that so that people can feel better it's OK to not be OK."

Battaglia's hope is for people to be honest about treatment and choose empowerment over shame.

"Tomorrow is always a new day, even if you have to take an hour by hour. There is always hope and there are always people out there who can help you,” said Battaglia.

Research participation is key because both counties will use all this data-driven insight that will come in the next several months to target improvements and strategies for mental health care and prevention.

This research project is putting opioid settlement dollars to work. Orleans and Genesee counties are using that to fund this research.

If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health crisis and could use some help, call or text 988 any time for support.