Kahshanna Evans’ Post

🌍✨Embracing Cultural Competency for positive impact! 🤝✨ In early June, Family Connections’ Culture Connections Program hosted its annual conference with a strong focus on the theme “Shifting from Good Intentions to Positive Impact.” Our driving mission is to enhance the culture competence of mental health professionals and their organizations, aiming to improve mental health services for all. Conference objectives included: ➡️ Defining trauma as it relates to systemic oppression and the experience of toxic chronic stress. ➡️ Identifying health disparities and culturally related health issues amongst underserved communities. ➡️ Evaluating psychosocial and sociocultural stressors that may impact the health and wellness of diverse individuals. ➡️ Demonstrating ways to improve community and understanding among diverse groups. ➡️ Applying the needed skills to provide culturally competent care to marginalized/oppressed populations including people of color, LBGTQIA+, different ages, abilities, etc. By fostering understanding, empathy, and inclusivity, we create a stronger foundation for improved mental health care. Special thanks to Speakers: ➡️Anthony Nicotera, JD, DSW, LCSW - Keynote speaker ➡️Christopher Huff, MSW, LCSW, LCADC, - Keynote speaker ➡️Connie Palmer, LCSW ➡️Linda Oshin, PHD ➡️Marty Cooper, PHD Photos: Kate Albright @Kate_albright Learn more about Culture Connections by visiting their website at: https://lnkd.in/d8rRQafP. #familyconnectionsnj #wherehopemeetspossibility #cultureconnections #culturalcompetency #mentalhealthmatters

Research shows that minority populations experience higher rates of mental health disparities due to factors such as discrimination, stigma, and limited access to culturally competent care. Here's how your organization can make a difference (and why it matters): - Invest in cultural competency training: Ensure your staff is equipped to understand and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of your patients. This fosters trust and improves patient satisfaction. - Expand your network of providers: Partner with mental health professionals from minority communities to provide culturally relevant care. This enhances your reputation and attracts a wider patient base. - Share resources: Use your platform to educate your network about the importance of minority mental health and available resources. This demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility and positions you as a leader in your field. Throughout Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to join us in addressing the unique challenges faced by minority communities. #MinorityMentalHealthMonth #HealthEquity #MentalHealthMatters National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Mental Health America NAMI

In July, we observe Minority Mental Health Month—a time to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by minority communities regarding mental health. It’s crucial to highlight the disparities, promote culturally competent care, and provide resources that cater to diverse populations. Key Points: 1. Understanding Disparities: Minority communities often face barriers such as stigma, lack of access to quality care, and cultural insensitivity. 2. Promoting Culturally Competent Care: It’s essential for mental health professionals to understand and respect cultural differences, ensuring effective and empathetic support. 3. Providing Resources and Support: Sharing information about accessible mental health services tailored to minority communities can make a significant difference. Resources and Ways to Promote Mental Health: •National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Offers support groups and resources for minority mental health. •Mental Health America (MHA): Provides culturally specific tools and information. •Therapy for Black Girls: A directory and community focused on mental health support for Black women. •Latinx Therapy: A platform offering resources and a directory of therapists for the Latinx community. •Asian Mental Health Collective: Supports mental health among the Asian community through resources and professional directories. Let’s take this month as an opportunity to listen, learn, and advocate for better mental health care for all. Together, we can break down the barriers and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. #MinorityMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #CulturalCompetence #SupportDiversity #InclusiveCare

As July ushers in National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we have an opportunity to turn our focus toward the unique mental health challenges faced by underrepresented communities. The numbers are a wake-up call:   🔹 Only 1 in 3 Black adults in the U.S. who need mental health care receive it. 🔹 Only 1 in 20 Hispanics in the U.S. with a mental disorder receive treatment from a mental health specialist. 🔹 Asian Americans are 3 times less likely to seek mental health services than their white counterparts. 🔹 Native Americans experience PTSD more than twice as often as the general population. And the list goes on. These statistics represent real people, real struggles, and the systemic barriers that need our attention. So, what can we do? 🔵 Educate Yourself and Others: Dive deep into the cultural nuances and specific mental health needs of minority communities. Share what you learn to break down barriers. 🔵 Promote Access to Care: Advocate for policies that make mental health services more accessible and equitable. 🔵 Support Minority Mental Health Organizations: Contribute to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to providing mental health support within these communities. 🔵 Create Safe Spaces: Ensure that your workplace or community is an inclusive space where people feel comfortable seeking help without fear of stigma. Prioritizing mental health, especially for BIPOC communities, isn't just about support; it's about action and systemic change. Let’s make sure our commitment doesn't end with this month. #MinorityMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #EndTheStigma

July is BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial time to shine a light on the mental health challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Mental health disparities continue to affect these communities disproportionately, influenced by systemic racism, cultural stigmas, and socioeconomic factors. Key Statistics: ➡ Black/African American Community: Only 25% seek mental health treatment compared to 40% of white individuals. ➡ Hispanic/Latinx Community: About 33% receive treatment for mental health issues. ➡ Asian American Community: The utilization of mental health services is lower compared to other ethnic groups, often due to cultural stigmas. ➡ Indigenous Community: Native Americans experience PTSD more than twice as often as the general population. Maternal Mental Health: Maternal mental health is particularly significant within BIPOC communities. Black women, for instance, are more likely to experience postpartum depression but less likely to receive treatment. Factors such as healthcare disparities, lack of culturally competent care, and the historical context of medical mistrust contribute to these challenges. Importance of Awareness and Support: Understanding and addressing these disparities is vital. By raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and supporting culturally sensitive mental health services, we can make strides toward equity. See comments below for a list of resources! Let's use this month as an opportunity to educate ourselves and advocate for better mental health support for BIPOC individuals. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable mental health system. #BIPOCMentalHealthMonth #MentalHealthAwareness #MaternalMentalHealth #HealthEquity #EndTheStigma

If you are a peer, support peers, work with peers, this is a must attend. Peer support is on everyone’s radar…finally. Learn from those who have been building billable peer services from the beginning to what and how we move the peer workforce forward

Exciting News this Mental Health Awareness Month! In partnership with The Lived Experience Advisory Panel, we are pleased to announce the release of our latest guide, "Centering Lived Expertise: How to Meaningfully Elevate the Voices of People Directly Impacted by the Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health Systems!" This resource explores the key roles that people with lived experience and expertise play in shaping effective policies and practices at the intersection of criminal justice and behavioral health systems. The guide stresses that engagement should be "reciprocal and not extractive," and emphasizes the importance of strategies that are thoughtful, systematic, and geared toward building trust and transparency. It underlines the need for diverse representation and the critical avoidance of tokenism to truly honor and integrate the perspectives of those impacted. Reading this, you will: ✅ Understand the difference between "lived experience" and "lived expertise," and why recognizing this distinction is necessary for systemic change. ✅ Explore a range of engagement strategies from surveys and public forums to in-depth collaborative roles that outline how each can contribute to change. ✅ Learn how your agency can lead a Lived Experience Advisory Panel, including practical steps and considerations to ensure its impact is both profound and sustainable. Check out this new resource today! https://bit.ly/3wGR9wz

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! This May, we're shining a spotlight on an issue that affects us all: mental health. This year, we're placing a particular focus on the mental well-being of Black men and boys in the state of Florida. The Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys is leading the charge by conducting groundbreaking research into how the social determinants of health (SDOH) impact the mental health of Black men and boys statewide. Why is this research so crucial? Mental health isn't just about individual experiences—it's deeply intertwined with societal factors like access to healthcare, economic opportunity, education, and systemic racism. By understanding how these social determinants shape the mental health landscape for Black men and boys, we can begin to address the root causes of mental health disparities and work towards meaningful change. Throughout the month of May, we'll be delving into key questions: How do factors like income inequality and housing instability impact the mental well-being of Black men and boys in Florida? What role does access to quality healthcare play in addressing mental health needs within this community? How can we dismantle systemic barriers and create more equitable opportunities for mental health support and treatment? But this isn't just about data and statistics—it's about real people and their stories. It's about amplifying the voices of Black men and boys who too often face stigma, discrimination, and barriers to accessing the care and support they deserve. Join us this Mental Health Awareness Month as we strive to raise awareness, foster understanding, and advocate for change. Together, we can build a future where every individual, regardless of race or background, has the resources and support they need to thrive mentally, emotionally, and socially. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #CSSBMB #BlackMenMatter #SDOH #FloridaStrong

Article By: Office of Behavioral Health Equity As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we want to take time to celebrate the diverse, brilliant women across this nation who keep everything going at home, work, within community organizations & faith institutions, and in every aspect of life. We celebrate the women from our history who have helped to shape us as individuals & as a nation. We hope this note speaks in a positive way to every woman who reads or is served by this message. During this month, celebrate the women in your life & ask them to prioritize their own mental health. Acknowledge and support women at whatever age or stage they are in life. Check on the women in your life to make sure they are doing okay. Let them know that it is okay to not always be okay. Make sure they know that they have a safe place to go if they are struggling with their mental health & offer your help in connecting them to a behavioral health professional. If you are a woman, consider taking the time to celebrate your own accomplishments and do a mental health self-care check-up this month. If you find that you need additional help, reach out to your physician or a behavioral health provider. SAMHSA offers a Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator that can help you identify providers in your area. Women are often the caregivers to their families and friends, yet often overlook giving themselves the care they need. Mental health is essential to well-being and women must prioritize their own mental health to ensure that they remain healthy. Being mentally healthy has an impact on the legacies and history of women. -https://lnkd.in/dJybBWA6