May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I am partnering with the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the Black Women’s Health Alliance for our annual Mental Health First Aid Workshop and Certification. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday May 12 at Spectrum Health Services Inc. (5201 Haverford Avenue).

This free event will teach the skills necessary to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders, through training from Mental Health First Aid.

Click here for the event flyer  →

Mental Health First Aid Workshop and Certification

Mental health issues affect us all – young and old, black and white, rich and poor. We have to take our mental health even more seriously than we do other issues in our lives because of the short- and long-term effects they have on us and our communities.

The stigma of mental illness in the Black community

Philadelphia Tribune | Glenn Ellis | May 1, 2018

Most Americans, particularly African Americans, underestimate the impact of mental disorders. Many believe symptoms of mental illnesses, such as depression, are “just the blues.”

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House OKs Bernstine mental health bill

New Castle News | May 8, 2018

House Bill 1997 would allow patients in crisis to be instantly “deemed eligible” for care at a behavioral health facility while their Medical Assistance application is being reviewed.

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New Philadelphia mural brings childhood trauma into view

WHYY | Nina Feldman | April 10, 2018

The new mural was produced with the help of Porch Light, Mural Arts’ joint effort with the city’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, which uses art to promote mental health and wellness.

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Uber driver who killed herself battled depression, her insurance carrier

To close, I want to share this tragic story happened in Philadelphia last year and shows how difficult treating mental health can be, even with treatment. It serves as a reminder for the need to understand the issue and become active in fighting for those who deal with mental health concerns.

Philly.com | Jason Laughlin | May 8, 2018

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