On Friday, February 2, the Kern Behavior Health and Recovery Services (Kern BHRS) will host a “Let’s Talk” event at the Friendship House Community Center to raise mental health awareness in African American communities.
“In the grand scheme of reducing disparity, we have a duty and obligation to bring mental health awareness, basic education, and hope to the Black community,” said Eboné King, Kern BHRS Recovery Specialist. “This event embodies that.”
This conversation, which will last from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., will discuss mental well-being and emotional balance. According to the Kern BHRS press release, it will be centered on welcoming and learning healthy ways of coping, as well as finding emotional balance.
“This event is a result of the collaborative efforts of KBHRS staff and community partners,” said Juan Carlos Gonzalez, a member of the Kern BHRS Cultural Competence Team. “Working together, we can improve the community’s understanding of the role behavioral health has in their overall wellness.”
The event will feature speakers from the department and the community and include a viewing of the video ‘Black Carpets’ by Chantel Miller.
This event is just one mental health event happening during Black History Month to help promote awareness in African American communities.
“Discussions on mental health awareness for Black people is a necessary one,” said Community Interventions Executive Director, Ucedreah Osby. “Black people have silently suffered from trauma for more than 400 years, so it’s important to raise awareness through uplifting and supporting Black-led resources that are culturally conscious and healing.”
Osby continued by announcing that Community Interventions will also be hosting an event that will include space and opportunities to heal with one another. This event will take place on February 10 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 1660 S Street.