Northern Manhattan Community Voices is co-sponsoring an event with The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of New York City Metro which will bring together more than 200 residents to dialogue and network with faith-based professionals, healthcare providers, community leaders, family members and consumers about the impact mental illness has on the African American community. This event, entitled “Heal the Mind, Restore the Spirit: Mental Health Recognition and Recovery in the African-American Community,” will be held from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM on September 24 at the Abyssinian Baptist Church.
“As the mother of a child with mental illness, I cannot stress the importance of networking through events like this conference. You may arrive confused, isolated and possibly desperate, but you will leave with concrete information, guidance and the support of your community--able to address mental health issues in your family. Most importantly, you will discover that you are not alone, and that the struggle can be won,” says NAMI Board Member, Karen Gormandy.
One in four patients visiting a health care facility suffer from a mental, neurological or behavioral disorder, but most are neither diagnosed nor treated. Disproportionately, African- Americans are exposed to social conditions considered to be important risk factors for physical and mental illness. Stigma, isolation and limited financial resources prevent many Blacks from seeking treatment, forcing them to needlessly suffer in silence. In addition, there is a lack of culturally relevant information about the symptoms and seriousness of mental illness.
“These statistics are the very reason I decided to speak out about my situation. I see too many who are needlessly and silently suffering. I believe that we will not be able to approach healing as a nation until we begin to peel away our masks,” says Terrie Williams, the founder and president of The Terrie Williams Agency, co-founder of The Stay Strong Foundation, who has battled depression for more than 25 years.
The conference will also include a series of dynamic workshops featuring:
-Terrie Williams, founder and president of The Terrie Williams Agency, co-founder of The Stay Strong Foundation, best-selling author and youth advocate
-Carlton Whitmore, Senior Coordinator of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Office of Consumer Affairs
-Reverend Cheryl Anthony Mobley, Founder and CEO of Judah International Christian Center, Inc.
-Dr. Altha Stewart, President of the American Psychiatric Foundation, and co-chair of the Steering Committee to Reduce Disparities in Access to Psychiatric Care.
Following the workshops there will be a panel discussion on healing and restoring the spirit of the Black community. The mental health professionals will be available to answer any questions participants may have.
About The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of New York City Metro (NAMI-NYC Metro):
NAMI-NYC Metro is a grassroots organization that provides support, education and advocacy for families and individuals of all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds who live with mental illness. It works collaboratively with New York State, local affiliates, and others in the community to educate the public, reduce stigma, advocate for legislation and improve the mental health system. NAMI NYC Metro has a special commitment to form partnerships with a broad range of organizations to provide mental health education and support programs. Conference sponsors include The BET Foundation, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Community Voices, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Institute for Community Living, Judah International Christian Center, NAMI-Harlem, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Office of Consumer Affairs, Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross & the BPGNY, Recycling Inspiration, The Terrie Williams Agency, and The Stay Strong Foundation.