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Advocates pushing for the passage of Daniel s Law, one that would mandate mental health professionals, not police, respond to crisis calls statewide, remain steadfast and even optimistic.
Activists from Free the People Roc wrapped up a week of advocacy related to Daniel s Law and Black mental health causes with a Black Mental Health Matters gathering Saturday morning at Parcel 5 downtown, a spot they ve re-named Daniel Prude Square in honor of the 41-year-old Black man who died in March 2020 while in the throes of a mental health crisis at the hands of Rochester police officers.
The event included perspective on mental health resources, an update on the law from the two state lawmakers who are co-sponsoring the legislation, a walk, and an art installation.
Orlando event focuses on important conversations about Black mental health
Event happens Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
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The city of Orlando is working to get results this Black History Month raising awareness about mental health in the Black community.
City leaders are partnering with Black mental health professionals for an important movement they’re calling Black Mental Health Matters.
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On Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m., they’re hosting a virtual event featuring live performances and small group discussions to talk important conversations about mental health in the Black community.
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The conversation is coming at a time where suicide rates are on the rise and mental health is a struggle for so many people.
For many Black people, many political issues are multiplied.
Dr. Aderonke Pederson is a psychiatrist and instructor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Northwestern University. She s an advocate for Black health and wellness.
She says while we celebrate Black History Month, we also need to examine the impact COVID-19 and racism have on the daily lives of Black people. While there s a lot of celebration in the Black community, there s a lot of reflection, too, Dr. Pederson said.
She said racism can affect your health. We re talking about stress that builds up, generational stress, individual stress, so, again, it s coming at people from both sides, she said.