A mental health summit aims to help Black men better cope with challenges they face.
The free event on Feb. 28 is hosted by the Community Alliance of the Far East Side, a neighborhood nonprofit located at 8902 E. 38th St.
“There’s not a real space for Black men to talk about mental health and all the things we face,” said Jamarro Johnson, the deputy director at CAFE. “This creates a community of support.”
Black men in Indiana are more than three times as likely to die by suicide than Black women are, according Indiana Department of Health data. Mental health is a top community concern, the Indianapolis Commission on African American Males found, with longstanding stigma and barriers to seeking treatment.
One reason is a shortage of Black mental health professionals, Jammaro said: “You want to talk to someone that looks like you.”
That’s why the summit will feature Black men who are licensed clinical social workers, therapists and mentors in Indianapolis. They will teach participants about coping strategies and share additional mental health resources and hotlines.
The summit runs from 6-8 p.m. It is recommended for ages 13 and older.
You can reserve a spot on EventBrite.
Mirror Indy reporter Mary Claire Molloy covers health. Reach her at 317-721-7648 or email maryclaire.molloy@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @mcmolloy7.
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