Commentary: How to get culturally competent mental healthcare to more of those who need it

The Baltimore Banner

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Executive Director Jessica Smith was interviewed by CanvasRebel on her work

Meet Jessica Smith

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Jessica Smith Top Finalist for 2023 Joy Awards, Advocates Category

We are so excited to announce that MHEF is a top finalist for the Can We Talk? Symposium and Joy Awards hosted by The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation.

From their website: “This year we are shining a spotlight on Black youth and mental health. Tune in as students authentically share what’s on their minds, how they are coping, advocating and inspiring their peers, as we celebrate the frontline workers that are supporting them and the community at large. We will also present compelling fireside chats and thought provoking panel discussions with numerous esteemed guests. A very special group of leading panelists will share insight, provide resources, and evoke conversations that champion change. This is a unique opportunity to celebrate our frontline workers, educate our community, and to hold up, understand, and empower our youth.

On May 2, 2023, the US Surgeon general released an advisory and created a framework for a national strategy to address mental health; noting specifically the alarming epidemic of loneliness and isolation. It was noted that loneliness and isolation in younger people is linked to sleep problems, inflammation and immune changes. In older people, it is tied to pain, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and shorter life spans. In people of all ages, It may be associated with higher risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, addiction, suicide, self harm and dementia. All of these medical issues affect the African American population in greater percentages than any other race in America. Suicides rates heartbreakingly are escalating by the fastest percentages among our Black Youth.

As dire as the statistics are, BLHF remains steadfast on the frontlines of action, advocacy and service, breaking the silence and cycle around mental health stigma in the Black community in revolutionary ways. Please join us for these relevant conversations that sound the alarm, then inspire and ultimately bring hope. We look forward to you being our guests.”

Progressing From Stigmas to Solutions

I am excited to announce that I have been selected as a keynote speaker for the upcoming "Progressing From Stigmas to Solutions" Black Mental Health Virtual Speaker Series!

This transformative event, organized by the Black Speakers Network, will address the unique mental health challenges faced by the Black community. It's a great honor to be part of a conversation that moves from stigmas to practical and empowering solutions.

I'd love for you to join me and be a part of this important conversation. Register now for free at https://www.BlackSpeakersNetwork.com/events/bmh23. Tune in live on Tuesday, May 30 and Wednesday, May 31.

Together, let's make a difference!

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Baltimore Non-Profit Provides Life-Changing Service to Morgan State University Students

MHEF is destigmatizing mental health one stipend at a time.

BALTIMORE, M.D. – The Morgan State University application for the Mental Health Stipend is now available. Offered by The Mental Health Emergency Fund Inc. (MHEF), the $500 stipend can be used to pay for discounted therapy sessions with Black and Brown clinicians and supervised interns that have partnered with the Fund; to cover the cost of copays or prescriptions; or to fund any other holistic treatments they may want to utilize. The mental health crisis has been exacerbated due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and many students have been struggling in silence. The Mental Health Emergency Fund Inc. aims to help those in need get the care they deserve.

To kickoff Mental Health Awareness Month, the application will be open from now until May 15th and can be accessed through their website, MentalHealthEmergencyFund.org/apply. Ten (10) stipends will be awarded to individuals who demonstrate extreme emotional or mental need. In addition to the stipends, The Mental Health Emergency Fund Inc. hosts its signature wellness program: Mindful Ministries Collective, a guided meditation circle that utilizes affirmation-based meditations. Students with severe mental health needs are strongly encouraged to apply.

“The Mental Health Emergency Fund started as an idea to give back to others who may be experiencing similar things I was going through. I spent the last five years battling General Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder and I had my fair share of breakdowns,” said Jessica Smith, founder of The Mental Health Emergency Fund Inc. “I had to do a lot of prayer and self-work (therapy, medication, guided breathing and meditations, etc.) to get to the point where I am today. I’m so grateful for my community who has helped me through every step of the way! All of this served as a testimony that has blessed others in the process.”

Application Link: https://www.mentalhealthemergencyfund.org/apply

The Mental Health Emergency Fund Inc. is a Baltimore-based non-profit dedicated to destigmatizing mental health and ensuring all people have access to adequate mental health care. The Mental Health Emergency Fund is dedicated to making a lasting impact in the lives of Marylanders, especially people of color.

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Monday Talent Blog Feature

A Good Day: The Mental Health Emergency Fund

Voyage Baltimore Feature

The 25th Class of OSI-Baltimore Fellows

This official press release announces my 18-month fellowship with Open Society Institute- Baltimore, along with my cohort members.

WYPR Radio Interview for “On the Record” with Sheilah Kast

In this segment, I’m interviewed along with OSI-Baltimore CEO Danielle Torain and Baltimore Community Fellow Program Director Pamela King to talk about my journey into the 25th cohort and my project, “The Mindful Ministries Collective.”

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The Mental Health Emergency Fund Gives MicroGant to Youth of the Diaspora

BALTIMORE, Md. December 16, 2022

In an effort to support the younger generation in their mental health journeys, The Mental Health Emergency Fund will be partnering with local youth organizations in the city. We recently gave a microgrant to Youth of the Diaspora (YOTD), the principal initiative of The African Diaspora Alliance (ADA).

The African Diaspora Alliance (ADA) was founded in 2015 by Baltimore organizers Moriah Ray and Elu Omelora (aka Jasmine Hall). The organization is committed to teaching global Black History through a variety of diverse initiatives centered on education and travel. ADA has facilitated dozens of "Diaspora Reunions" where participants have had the opportunity to travel and exchange with communities in Ghana, Colombia, Cuba, Costa Rica, and more! Their Youth of The Diaspora 501-c3 program is based here in Baltimore. The mission of The Youth of The Diaspora (YOTD) Program is to provide a culturally relevant, youth-centered, and social justice-focused outlet to youth and young adults ages 13-23 in Baltimore City. This is done through a series of weekly workshops focused on exposing students to global Black history, community organizing techniques, civic engagement, and community healing methods. Their model falls into the legacy of "unschooling" programs that are a part of the Black radical tradition.

Trauma-informed care is essential to this work and we are blessed to provide financial access for the facilitation of healing.

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Video Submission for Adaptive Village Small Gront Contest

Adaptive Village $25K Grant Competition Winner!

We recently won $25K towards providing financial literacy training to Baltimore community members with less than $1000 in their emergency fund in the 21218 zip code. Thank you to all of our supporters!