A statewide virtual rally asking New York leaders to address the child mental health crisis took place in Central Islip Sunday.

The rally consisted of advocates, families and those dealing with mental health issues. Organizers said they hope to enlighten state officials and school leaders about the needs that surface with mental health.

Among the 200 participants was Kyle Buttner, an 18-year-old diagnosed with schizophrenia.

"My entire life, day after day, I had to live with these voices in my head,” he said. “It's not right that all these people in pain are not getting any better and the problems actually get worse.”

Prior to the rally, students and parents took part in advocacy workshops that included one at Hands Across Long Island.

"Today we were providing advocacy training, helping families identify what their challenges were because that's how they're going to advocate for change,” said Andrea Stolz, of LI Families Together.

From here, the organizers hope to form a statewide council and they plan to meet with legislators next month.

If you are interested in joining the Statewide council of community advocates to improve mental health support for children in New York state, follow this link.