“We have to change the narrative and we have to speak about the real issues because if we don’t it won’t change,” said psychologist Dr. Valencia Agnew.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Community of Hearts, a nonprofit organization that provides advocacy for mental health, is partnering with Prince of Peace Church in Grand Rapids to host an open forum discussion to raise awareness about mental and emotional health in the Black community.
“Community of Hearts is an organization that exists to help promote mental health advocacy,” said Founder Monica Sparks.
Founded in 2020, Community of Hearts has been changing the narrative of mental health in the Black community. It provides ongoing training and resources to create mental health advocates.
“The thing about mental health is it’s the foundation of your health so for us to ignore the very foundation of our mind, our thoughts, our feelings and everything that’s connected to mental health really does not do us personal service,” Sparks said.
Sparks has been a figure in the Grand Rapids community for years and said her organization has continued to provide a positive platform empowering many with knowledge and skills to make change.
Psychologist Dr. Valencia Agnew said she hopes Saturday’s discussion on mental health inspires many to change the way they think about their mental health.
“We have to change the narrative and we have to speak about the real issues because if we don’t it won’t change,” Agnew said. If we don’t talk about it, we don’t get to be as healthy as we can be. We don’t get to show up as our best selves if we don’t take care of it.”
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows suicide is the leading cause of death among young Black people.
Enid Gaddis with Arbor Circle said Saturday’s open forum will make people more comfortable with addressing and discussing mental health issues.
“If a person is in a space where they need support or they have a loved one that needs support this training will be an excellent opportunity to learn about different types of mental health challenges, how to get support, and then they may hear something for themselves that encourages them to think about their own lives and what they need,” Gaddis said.
The mental health awareness event will be held at Prince of Peace Church at 715 Evergreen Street SE and starts at 1 p.m.
The event is open and free for anyone to attend and will include a read-along for those coming with children.
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