ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Community leaders announced the launch of Hope First Rochester, a peer-led mental health crisis response program designed to provide support without police involvement.
The community-based program mobilizes trained peer responders to offer voluntary, trauma-informed care during moments of crisis. Officials said Hope First Rochester was created in response to calls for alternative emergency mental health crisis services in the city, a need highlighted after the death of Daniel Prude in 2020.
“The truth is people want a trauma-informed crisis response. People want compassionate care. People want to be treated with dignity. Hope First understands that,” said state Sen. Samra Brouk…