Ramsey County has partnered with the C.A. Ellis & Associates, LLC. and Cultural Wellness Center to host listening sessions with the African American community to reimagine holistic well-being. These community listening sessions will be facilitated using a Black Centered Design framework to identify ways of taking care of physical health and, importantly, mental health.
We know mental health care is not equitable across races in the data. Poor mental health has been linked to the experience of racism. Research suggests that racism has a considerable impact on the cognitive processes that play a role in the development of depression. In a meta-analysis of 293 studies, having experienced racism was found to be associated with poorer mental health, including depression and anxiety. One in five Minnesota African American women report that they have felt emotionally upset (angry, sad, or frustrated) in the past 30 days as a result of how they were treated based on their race.
The time is now to reimagine what culturally specific, trauma-informed mental care looks like. If you identify as African American and or a descendant of enslaved Africans, please attend a community listening session where your voice will be centered to identify solutions to accessing important mental health services. We ask that you please take this short survey; if you can’t participate in an event but want to be involved.
We are offering stipends for those who can participate in the community listening sessions. Sessions will be held virtually and in person throughout the day, across a 3-month window. Complete the inquiry form to stay abreast of the events and be a part of the email listing. If there are additional barriers to participating or accessibility needs please let us know at this email address: [email protected]
Dates for 90 mins Virtual Listening Sessions for Community
Sept. 14 @ 5:30p
Sept. 28 @ 5:30p
Oct. 19 @ 5:30p
Oct. 22 (In Person at Rondo Library) @ 10a
Nov. 5 @ 10a
Nov. 9 (Young Adults ONLY) @ 5:30p
Dates for 90 mins Virtual Listening Sessions for Community Providers
Sept. 21 @ 5:30p
Sept. 28 @ 12p
Oct. 12 @ 12p
Oct. 26 @ 5:30p
To stay in the know about the project and to register for the upcoming session, please use this link: www.itgo.us/AACBInquiryForm
Survey Link www.itgo.us/BlkPplThriveSurvey
