BeST Center collaborates with Canton church to destigmatize mental health care

The Black church has historically been a place of connection and support for many individuals, families and key supporters. To address spiritual and health needs, more and more faith institutions are expanding their mental health awareness initiatives, creating opportunities for local partners to highlight the services offered in the community.

In August, People's Baptist Church in Canton hosted a Health and Resource Fair that was open to nearby residents. The fair featured service providers from diverse fields, including public health, substance use management, early childhood education, veteran support and mental health. There were no eligibility requirements to attend. Participants had the opportunity to receive books for their children, learn how to access community resources, obtain bus pass instructions, and enjoy food and gift cards, among other offerings.

Our Best Practices in Schizophrenia (BeST) Center’s FIRST consultant trainer teamed up with the FIRST Stark team for the event to educate and destigmatize mental health services. The FIRST Stark team, based in Coleman Health Services, is a long-standing partner that provides a range of mental health services to individuals throughout the county, including specialized care for those who experience psychosis.

FIRST is a Coordinated Specialty Care program of the BeST Center at Northeast Ohio Medical University that provides training to clinicians on evidence-based practices for treating first-episode psychosis. FIRST Consultants and Trainers Crystal N. Dunivant and Nick Dunlap provide ongoing consultation and training on Coordinated Specialty Care Program for First Episode Psychosis to 14 teams across 23 counties.

A key focus of this program involves fostering providers, systems and supportive communities aimed at serving individuals experiencing early psychosis. The goal is to provide personalized and culturally sensitive care as promptly as possible, empowering them to live their lives to the fullest potential.

Crystal attended the resource fair to promote the program, with an emphasis on shared decision making and person-centered goals such as work and education. There was an opportunity to discuss the key elements of the program, including therapy, psychiatric care, supported employment/education, family psychoeducation and case management with providers and community members. People left the event more informed and motivated to advocate and support those living with a first episode of psychosis.

-- Submitted by Lucky Tisch, director of communications and development, BeST Center