Courtney Ferrell Aklin, Ph.D. Acting Chief of Staff, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
Overview � Brother You’re on My Mind: Changing the National Dialogue Regarding Mental Health Among African American Men � Why mental health? � The NIH partnership with Omega Psi Phi � The NIH partnership with Omega Psi Phi � Take the pledge � Next steps
Omega Psi Phi Initiative Brother, You’re on My Mind (BYOM): Changing the National Dialogue Regarding Mental Health Among African American Men An Education Outreach Program on Mental An Education Outreach Program on Mental Health in African American Men
BYOM The Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated will take the lead in educating its members and the public about the facts regarding mental health amongst the African-American male population, amongst the African-American male population, and to specifically raise awareness that there is help and treatment available so no one has to suffer to silence.
Why Mental Health?: Mental Health Awareness � Mental illness affects 43.7 million American adults � 30 percent of college students reported feeling "so depressed that it was difficult to function” � Stress and depression are common, but can be serious mental illnesses if left untreated mental illnesses if left untreated � Learn to recognize the signs of depression vs. feeling blue � Recognize that the symptoms of depression and stress are often expressed differently by men � Provide support to those with mental illness � Start the discussion, help end the stigma of mental illness
BYOM “This initiative is a signature program of our administration and we look forward to establishing a partnership with the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities and other institutes within the National Institutes of Health to ensure that National Institutes of Health to ensure that we have the most current, evidence-based information to assist us in this effort.” - - Antonio F. Knox, Sr., Grand Basileus, Omega Psi Phi, Inc.
BYOM “ Brother David Marion, 1 st Vice Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a psychologist, will lead this initiative. We are delighted to have his experience and expertise as a member experience and expertise as a member of our Supreme Council ” - Antonio F. Knox, Sr., Grand Basileus, Omega Psi Phi, Inc.
BYOM � Under the recommendations of Dr. Marion, Dr. Melvin Pinn and the Medical/Health Affairs Committee of Omega Psi Phi, Inc. has accepted the Brother You’re on My Mind accepted the Brother You’re on My Mind Initiative for the year
BYOM “We are excited to soon join forces with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. to communicate the importance of seeking help for mental illnesses that affect African American men, and raise African American men, and raise awareness that help and treatment are available so no one has to suffer in silence,” - Yvonne T. Maddox, Ph.D., Acting Director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.
NIMHD Mission The mission of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) is to lead scientific research to Health Disparities (NIMHD) is to lead scientific research to improve minority health and eliminate health disparities. To accomplish this, NIMHD (1) plans, reviews, coordinates, and evaluates all minority health and health disparities research and activities of the National Institutes of Health, (2) conducts and supports research on health disparities, (3) promotes and supports the training of a diverse research workforce, (4) translates and disseminates research information, (5) fosters innovative collaborations and partnerships
Partnership: Omega Psi Phi and NIH � NIH will provide resources to identify general information on mental health and mental health expertise (now through the end of the initiative) � NIH will provide mental health materials that are specifically tailored to the membership and its specifically tailored to the membership and its families (July 2015) � NIH will assist in identifying a keynote speaker to discuss BYOM and mental health at the Leadership conference in the summer (July 2015)
BYOM Program: Pledge, Learn, Educate, Partner As part of the BYOM Program, NIH will support Omega Psi Phi members in their goals to – � Take a pledge to help change the minds of the public regarding mental illness mental illness � Learn more about what mental health is and how to talk about it � Work to help educate the public and other minority males about mental health � Partner with other organizations to have a collective impact on reducing the stigma of mental health
Take the Pledge With the help of my Omega Brothers, I promise to � Support the Brother, You’re on My Mind initiative � Pledge to help change the mind of the public regarding mental illness � � Become more knowledgeable about mental health Become more knowledgeable about mental health � Help educate the public and other African American males about mental health � Partner with others to have a collective impact � To help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness By participating in this program the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will help change the national dialogue regarding mental health among African American males and their families.
What you can do now � Find mental health resources among your membership � Find your local (state, county) mental health resources � Think about partnerships (District, Chapter) for larger workshops and impact � Start talking about the format and framework of the workshops � � Think about what areas to discuss Think about what areas to discuss � Depression? Stress? Bullying? (stay focused) � Holding a discussion/workshop about mental health requires a mental health professional to facilitate it – Do you know where to find one? � July 2015 Leadership conference is the kickoff of the partnership between Omega Psi Phi and NIH � Aim to hold events for after the kickoff when materials will be available
May is National Mental Health Month � Omega Psi Phi, Inc. will be partnering with Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. � Establish partnerships at the local levels � Encourage local Mayors and City Officials to � Encourage local Mayors and City Officials to establish proclamations
information on depression information on stress information on stress information on depression information on stress information on depression Bullying resource page
Resources find your local chapter Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator KnowBullying App find local researchers who study mental health
Thank you Cferrell@mail.nih.gov Cferrell@mail.nih.gov
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