Last week we held a mental health panel for Mental Health Awareness Month at our partner meeting. All panelists offered great information on how we as partners and community members can be involved in improving mental health outcomes. Many of these suggestions are not difficult or time consuming but can be life changing for everyone. #wellnessswednesdays
TAKE AWAYS: *Learn and use people’s preferred pronouns. *Be proactive and take classes to learn about topics such as race, gender, and sexuality and the barriers people face due to their identities. Do not rely on others to provide this information for you. *Volunteer. *Encourage health professionals to take classes from LGBTQ organizations to better serve their patients. *Advocate for more culturally specific care. *Listen to people’s truth, take their beliefs seriously, and be open to having uncomfortable conversations. *Break down stigma by talking openly about mental health and share resources to help people avoid isolation. *Learn more about the services that are available so that you know where to go in a time of crisis. *Join advisory committees.
A huge thanks to our panelists!
Carrie Fuentes LGBTQ Community Education Trainer – Bridge 13, a program of SMYRC SMYRC
Angela Carter, ND Clinical Director/Co-Executive Director – The Equi Institute & Sacred Vessel Natural Medicine
Michelle Lewis CSWA, MSW Instructor/Therapist – Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Avel Gordly Center for Healing
Gabriela Lule Mental Health Therapist – Project UNICA El Programa Hispano Católico
Jim Nevala Program Supervisor – Multnomah County, Oregon Mental Health Crisis Line Open 24/7 503-988-4888
Officer Jim Stegemeyer Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator – Portland Police Bureau Behavioral Health Unit
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