Harmonious Solutions, a local non-profit Mental Health Services Agency, is hosting a town hall meeting to discuss the findings and results of their 2 year participation in a San Diego County Behavioral Health Division funded program; “Breaking Down Barriers.” The program was created to address the stigmas associated with the delivery of mental health services to African-Americans within San Diego County.
Community and Civic leaders lobbied for monies to fund this type of program in 2010, and in 2011 Harmonious Solutions received a subcontract from Mental Health of America to provide therapy to African-American individuals, couples and families as well as conduct educational trainings and community forums. Over the past 2 years over 300 individuals have received counseling and over 20 trainings and community forums have been held.
The organization has invited San Diego County officials to speak about their involvement in this program and their future commitment to fund this and other programs focused on the disparities in mental health delivery to African-Americans in San Diego County. Harmonious Solutions has also reached out to state and local officials as well as mental health providers and religious leaders.
A panel discussion will have funders (government and philanthropic), service providers and clients sitting together to dialogue about the state of mental health within the African-American community. This is one of the first times all the stakeholders in mental health will be together. Clients will be able to ask direct questions of those who are responsible for the programs they participate in. The funders will see firsthand the lives their largesse affects. An advertising blitz will fill the chapel at Bethel Seminary to capacity and these community members will be able to ask questions directly to the panel during a Q&A session. There should be a lively interchange between all.
The documentary; “Daddy Hunger” by Ray Upchurch will be screened and a breakout session with the filmmaker will be held. This portion of the town hall will highlight the challenges our communities have due to absent fathers, specifically in relation to African-American men and their families.
The event will be held at Bethel Seminary, 6116 Arosa St., San Diego CA 92115, from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm on June 1st. Complimentary lunch will be provided.
For more information on this event, contact Harmonious Solutions at (619) 266-1181
