ROCHESTER, N.Y. — In response to the surge in mental health challenges among children since the COVID-19 pandemic, Rochester has inaugurated a groundbreaking facility dedicated to pediatric mental health. The Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Center, the first of its kind in upstate New York, aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for children and their families in crisis.
The center caters to patients under 18, offering immediate care options as an alternative to emergency room visits. Among those who understand the importance of such a facility is Blaine Hayward Collins, 14, who spent eight months in a mental health facility.
“It was hectic, but I got through it,” Collins shared during the grand opening of the Brighter Days center. He emphasized the potential benefits of having access to a space like Brighter Days during his own struggle. “I look forward to seeing more individualized, more comfortable, more flexible care and hopefully more beds. Care set to individual needs,” Collins added.
The center’s design caters specifically to younger patients, featuring waiting areas and patient rooms equipped with support services aimed at alleviating the stress, loneliness, and financial burdens associated with pediatric mental health challenges. The facility is expected to serve around 3,000 patients annually.
Dr. Michael Scharf, a leading figure at the center, noted the widespread need for such services. “We’re optimistic and hopeful that other regions will copy,” he said. “We’re celebrating the first but not the last.”
As discussions about mental health become more prevalent and open, Collins remains hopeful about the future of the industry. His message to those still struggling is poignant and encouraging: “Don’t quit the walk, keep going and keep pushing.”
The Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center opens its doors on July 15. It will provide care from noon to 7 p.m., seven days a week, offering a much-needed resource for the community.
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