The Indiana Black Expo’s Mental Health Symposium kicked off during the 2024 Summer Celebration. This two-part series is a collaboration with the Indiana State Department of Health as part of the Black & Minority Health Fair, which has been held for nearly 40 years in Indianapolis. The event aims to educate the local Black community on mental health and brain wellness.
The first part of the series was held on Thursday, focusing on supporting seniors and senior caregivers facing mental health challenges. The upcoming second part, “Cherish Your Mind” symposium, will take place at the Indiana Convention Center this Saturday. Discussion topics include brain health, navigating healthcare systems, and reducing stigma surrounding mental health conditions. Renowned journalist Ed Gordon will moderate the event, which is free and open to the public by registration.
ISDMH Director for Office of Minority Health Antoniette Holt highlighted the importance of providing access to health resources for minorities who are disproportionately affected by chronic illnesses. The Black & Minority Health Fair offers over $4,500 in free health screenings to attendees.
Those interested in attending can contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Abriana Herron at aherron@wfyi.org. This is an opportunity for the community to invest in their well-being and gain valuable knowledge on mental health and brain wellness.
Edward Rodgers, director of event management with IBE emphasized that providing valuable information and resources is essential to support individuals coping with mental illness.
The Mental Health Symposium highlights the need for mental health education within the local Black community as it continues to be underrepresented in healthcare systems due to systemic racism.
Overall, this symposium serves as a reminder that prioritizing mental health education and resources is crucial in promoting overall wellness within marginalized communities.
