Officials from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Ad Council and the Stay Strong Foundation will unveil a national public service campaign designed to raise awareness of mental health problems among young adults in the African American community. The event is part of Black History Month and it is being held to coincide with the first annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) National Mental Health Awareness Day. The launch will be telecast to colleges and universities nationwide.
WHO: Paolo del Vechhio, Associate Director for Consumer Affairs, Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA
Terrie M. Williams, MSW, Co-founder of The Stay Strong Foundation, nationally known author of Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting and campaign spokesperson Priscilla Natkins, Executive Vice President, Director of Client Services, The Ad Council Joseph Lankford, Howard University Student
WHAT: Unveiling of new TV, radio, print and Web PSAs, as well as a new website, designed to promote the acceptance of mental illness within the African American community by encouraging, educating and inspiring young adults to step up and talk openly about mental health problems
WHEN: Tuesday, February 23, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Howard University Hospital Cancer Center - Room 201 (second floor)
2041 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington, DC
202-865-6100
Historically Black Colleges and Universities' Center for Excellence in Substance Abuse and Mental Health at Morehouse School of Medicine, a grant funded through SAMHSA, created National HBCU Mental Health Awareness Day. The HBCU Mental Health Awareness Day is the first national effort to promote behavioral health at HBCUs. The purpose is to increase public knowledge and student awareness about mental health issues and to foster a more supportive and informed environment on HBCU campuses and in the community.
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