This week's World Mental Health Awareness Day was recognized in Western New York by Mental Health Advocates of Western New York, among many other local resources. 

In our area we have many resources to address the mental health of our community members of all ages. Erie County has a Crisis Services hotline that operates 24-hours a day (716-834-3131). 

These local resources are backed up by a state infrastructure of resources to address the mental health of our state. New York State office of Mental Health has a series of Crisis Prevention hotlines for many different types of crises including addiction, domestic crises, and depression. It even has an anonymous texting option and resources specifically for children. 

New York State also has a free Emotional Help Line for those in need through the pandemic health emergency.