The Greater Cincinnati Faith and Mental Health Collaborative “Hope for Our Youth” event, held September 22nd at Miami University Voice of America Learning Center, was the second in an ongoing series of collaborative educational events to inform and equip African American Faith Leaders in Butler County with relevant and effective information to best support their congregations and communities through mental health challenges via connection to resources, awareness, and empathy. This series continues in direct response to evaluation and identification by Faith Leaders of areas for continued growth and development in suicide prevention. The second event was a success with over 90 individuals in attendance!
The event featured keynote presentations by La Shanda, LPC, founder and Chief Love Officer of Labors of Love Counseling and Consulting, and a poetry workshop led by Award-Winning poet, Barbara Fant. The day also included a series of breakout sessions in the morning and afternoon for attendees to choose from.
Breakout Sessions Offered:
- Killing Us Softly: Suicide in Black Youth by Shawnieka E. Pope, MSW, LISW-S, LCSW, Assistant Clinical Professor and School-Based Mental Health MSW Project Director
- Youth & Gun Violence by Shaquila Mathews
- Serving Vulnerable Populations: Giving ALL Youth Place and Grace by Charla Hale M.A, Chief Strategy, Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Officer of YWCA Hamilton
- Looking Through the Lens: Social Media & Youth by Jayla Lee BA, OCPSA, Program Coordinator at PreventionFIRST!
- The Voice of Our Youth: Schools as a Resource by Middletown High School Students
- Navigating Mental Health Services: Overcoming Barriers and Challenges by Dr. Gregory Stewart LWS, OCPSA- Associate Professor, University of Cincinnati School of Social Work
- Building Prevention with Faith: Bridging the Two to Build a Stronger Community by Amanda Conn-Starner, MS, CHES, OCPS, PreventionFIRST! Chief Program Officer
- QPR Gatekeeper Training by Lisa Carter, Director of Customer Relations of Terrace Mentrics
Reviews of the Event:
"I think this event provided a community of people to learn from."
"The keynote speaker was amazing!"
"I enjoyed the quality of the speakers, diversity of attendance, resources available, and free admission."
"The flow of the event was smooth. Everyone knew what to do and where to go. The visibility of the agencies was amazing."
"Great Resources and Presenters!"
"The QPR session was extremely informative and while I pray, I never have to put that training to use, I'm glad I have it and am prepared for those hard conversations when they arise."
The Butler County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Greater Cincinnati Faith and Mental Health Collaborative are grateful for the continued good work that convenes under the umbrella of Envision Partnerships and dedicated Faith Leaders in our communities. These strong partnerships ensure effective interventions to reduce and eliminate suicide.
Event Sponsors:
Envision Partnerships (Butler County Suicide Prevention Coalition [Taskforce to Improve Mental Health in the African American Community])
Modern Psychiatry and Wellness, LLC. Dr. Quinton E. Moss, MD
Butler County Family + Children First Council
Interact for Health
Miami University Regionals, Voice of America Learning Center
Butler County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services Board
West Chester, Liberty Chamber Alliance
