Black Mental Health Summit
On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania hosted its second annual Black Mental Health Summit at Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg.
For Black Americans, historical trauma, discrimination, community violence, and economic insecurity all impact mental health. The summit addresses the unique challenges that members of Pittsburgh’s Black community are facing, how stigma can be a barrier to seeking treatment, and the obstacles experienced when getting help.
This year’s summit featured a keynote presentation, personal stories, a panel discussion, and networking opportunities.
Summit at a Glance
Keynote Presentation
Darnell Drewery
Trauma Education and Wellness Facilitator, Center for Victims
Trauma and Mental Health in Pittsburgh’s Black Community
In this keynote presentation, Darnell Drewery, Trauma Education and Wellness Facilitator at the Center for Victims will describe the many sources of trauma and the impact that trauma is having in Pittsburgh’s Black community. He will also examine the far-reaching and long-lasting effect that trauma has on mental health.
Presentation and Personal Stories
Ali Deen, Houze of Waxx
Dana Zang, Houze of Waxx
Mindful Melodies: Using Music to Spread Community Mental Health Awareness
Houze of Waxx is a community mental health advocacy organization that brings awareness to the mental health crisis by way of music, music collecting, programming, fundraising, and events. Members Ali Deen and Dana Zang will share their personal experiences will mental health, as well as talk about how they use their love of music to raise awareness and connect the community to mental health resources.
Community Panel Discussion
NAMI Sharing Hope
NAMI Sharing Hope is a presentation for African American communities designed to promote mental health awareness, explore signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, and highlight how and where to find help. During this community discussion, attendees and panelists will watch a video and engage in conversation about the issues that were raised and how we can achieve mental wellness in Pittsburgh’s Black communities.
There are a number of sponsorship opportunities available for the 2023 Black Mental Health Summit. All levels receive verbal recognition during the event and their name listed on NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania’s website and event marketing materials.
If you have questions about sponsoring the 2023 Black Mental Health Summit, contact Sara Levine Steinberg by email at slsteinberg@namikeystonepa.org or by phone at 412-366-3788 ext. 122.
Resources
Allegheny County African American Resource Guide
The Allegheny County Black Youth Mental Health Literacy Study Final Report
Pulse Report for Children and Families
Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America
Mental Health Disparities: African Americans | American Psychiatric Association
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health | Mental and Behavioral Health – African Americans
NAMI | Black/African American Mental Health
NAMI Fact Sheets
You Are Not Alone
Mental Health Care Matters
Common Warning Signs of Mental Illness
It’s Okay to Talk About Suicide
Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System
Finding a Culturally Competent Provider
Fact sheets from the AKA-NAMI partnership (focus on African Americans)
Sponsors
This summit is also made possible by a NAMI Community Health Equity Alliance (CHEA) Grant.
