Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF)

Mental health challenges among Black and Ethnic Minority mothers are 13% higher than any other race, yet they are statistically less likely to receive diagnosis or treatment. Community groups are bridging the gap and are now apart of creating solutions. Sandra Igwe LLB MBA, is a British Social Entrepreneur, Knowledge Exchange Professional and Mother of Two. She is passionate about creating platforms, programs and tools for mothers to excel and thrive. She has worked diligently to bridge the gap between maternal health services and BAME community groups, allowing their voices to be heard.

Want to know how you can spread the word and get involved this Minority Mental Health awareness Month? Visit the link below for info on NAMI’s #ShadesofMentalHealth Campaign. https://lnkd.in/ezPG6jBp

After a traumatizing incident that almost cost him his life, Dr. Sheldon Jacobs made it his mission to give back to others the mental health support he needed himself as a young Black man. For Dr. Jacobs and his family, NAMI’s inclusive support helped their mental health journey and is there for him as he provides mental health services for minority communities.

From now until next June, MCF will be celebrating 25 years of providing family peer support to Maryland families with a loved one who has mental health, substance use, or problem gambling challenges. 25 years of being here because we’ve been there too. 25 years of offering emotional support, guidance, and hope.   As part of our 25th Anniversary celebration, we invite you to become a member of our Founder's Circle with two ways to participate:   $25 monthly donation that provides consistent and reliable financial support for our programs and services; or $250 one-time gift to help kick off our year-long celebration   https://lnkd.in/edbNvy8z

It's an honor to be a part of this. Bringing family voice to important conversations is what we do!

Maryland Coalition of Families wants to wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day.! Here's to a great day today with the people you love! #USA #July4

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, observed each July, aims to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority groups. Its observance highlights the disparities in mental health care access and the stigma that often prevents BIPOCs from seeking help. The month was inspired by the work of Bebe Moore Campbell, an author and advocate who worked tirelessly to address mental health issues in minority communities. In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives designated July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to honor her legacy. The goal is to promote mental health equity by encouraging conversations, reducing stigma, and ensuring that everyone has access to the mental health resources they need. We hope that we all take the time this month to educate ourselves on the state of mental health care in our minority communities. And that we continue to advocate for a more inclusive picture of good mental health nationwide. Visit the links below to learn more! https://lnkd.in/ePhvDgVj https://lnkd.in/eUkZNhur

Happy 25th Anniversary to MCF Today isn’t just the start of a new fiscal year at MCF. Its also the kick-off to a year of celebrating MCF’s founding 25 years ago! MCF was launched using the collective knowledge and hard-won wisdom of a group of tired, weary, and worried parents and caregivers led by our founding Executive Director, Jane Walker. These caring and dedicated parents and caregivers of children with mental health challenges were committed to building something they wished they’d had – someone who understands because they’ve been there too. Today, MCF provides family peer support in all 24 Maryland jurisdictions serving more than 4,500 families each year who are looking for support, guidance, and hope. Please join us in wishing MCF a happy 25th anniversary!

MCF Executive Director Christi Green shares her story of how Maryland's Good Samaritan Law could have saved her nephew's life.  

Each year, we honor the memory of Ginger Rosela by presenting the Ginger Rosela Spirit Award to a family peer support specialist, commemorating contributions to the community and MCF. This year, we extend our heartfelt honor to Cynthia Kirk, acknowledging her exceptional dedication and service! Cynthia Kirk has been an invaluable member of MCF for almost two decades. Her commitment, warmth, and compassion have touched the lives of countless families. Her legacy of support and love will continue to guide and inspire us. Congratulations, Cynthia!