MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION & AWARENESS PROGRAM

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The goals of the Mental Health Promotion and Awareness Program are to:

• Enhance awareness of mental health issues in the black/African community, and enhance access to mental health information and resources.
• Improve the ability to seek assistance and develop a plan for enhanced long-term positive mental health and general wellness.
• Enhance awareness and mechanisms to cope with the emotional aspects of mental health issues.
• Reduce stigmatization for people with mental health challenges and illness.
• Reduce discrimination to enable those with mental health challenges to live full and meaningful lives.

These goals are achieved through specific programming activities, including:

• Daily drop-in services for culturally appropriate supportive counseling and referrals.
• Promote mental health and awareness in the Black /African community
• Outreach to community members experiencing or at risk of experiencing mental health challenges with information and access to community mental health services and resources.
• Reduce the stigma and shame associated with mental health challenges through public education, supportive counseling, and referrals.
• Provide practical support and advocacy in accessing services and community mental health programs.
• Advocate for clients to facilitate access to community resources and services.
• Practical supports in accessing affordable housing, income security programs, food-banks, skills upgrading programs, employment services, accompaniments to appointments, and advocacy.