Over The Weekend: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.Phi Alpha Omega Chapter & NAMI |Host "Shatter The Stigma" Panel Discussion about Mental Health

                              

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,Inc.
Phi Alpha Omega Chapter

Welcome and Greeting

Tina Gilbert, Health Committee Chair

Introduction of Panelists

Adrienne Amerine, Health Committee Co-Chair

Question/Discussion                                   Guest Panelists

Open Floor Discussion                                  Audience

Closing Remarks                                            Angela Mosley Monts, President

Starting in 2015, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) and NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, are working together to increase mental health awareness in the African American community. AKA Chapters will work with NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates to educate African Americans about mental health, treatment and recovery. Together, we can help communities access much needed treatment services and support. AKA Chapters, NAMI State Organizations, NAMI Affiliates and NAMI On Campus Clubs are encouraged to reach out to each other in order to implement the partnership at the local level.

I had the opportunity over the weekend to share on a panel discussion on mental health that consists of 4 talented professionals: Dorothy Marcy (Certified Counselor) |Kendra Glasper (Director of Outreach, University of Arkansas CAPS)|Lukysha Sims-Neal (Founder, Process 2 Promise, LLC) and Kim Arnold (National Alliance on Mental Illness | NAMI)

"Your physical being and your emotional state are closely connected." —Dorothy Marcy 
"It's okay not to be okay, but don't live in silence." —Lukysha Neal
Recognizing the cues for depression: Note the duration of a friend/family member's "down" attitude. —Kendra Glasper
African American's relationship with distrust of the mental health system can have links back to slavery. Drapetomania was a diagnosed mental health issue for those that fled captivity--punishable by violence. —Dorothy Marcy
You can support a family member who is experiencing a schizophrenic episode by honoring the fact that the person/voice is real to them. —Lukysha Neal
"Words matter. You are not your illness." —Kim Arnold


Connect with AKA and NAMI 

To find the AKA Chapter in your area go to http://ow.ly/GoAPX.

To find the NAMI Affiliate in your area go to http://ow.ly/GoBbp.

To find a NAMI on Campus Club in your area go to http://ow.ly/HPp4H.