On Tuesday, February 28th, the Biden-Harris Administration held a conversation titled Addressing the #MentalHealth Crisis Among Young #Black #Men. Led by Ambassador Susan Rice and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, the discussion centered on addressing the #mentalhealth of young #Black #men and discussing solutions to prevent disparities in #mentalhealth in #America.
Ambassador Rice and Dr. Murthy were joined in their discussion by Dr. Arthur Evans, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President of the #AmericanPsychologicalAssociation, Naheim Banks, and Miles Noble. Naheim Banks, a senior at Howard University, stressed how in #Blackcommunities there are #stigmas surrounding #mentalhealth that deter people from receiving treatment. In part, Banks believed this is due to growing up with the belief that he, and others, were not able to show emotions. This sentiment was echoed by Miles Noble, a junior in #highschool, who believed that he had to handle his emotions on his own. Dr. Arthur Evans acknowledged that the hardest part is admitting you have a problem and asking for help.
During the conversation, Ambassador Rice proves the startling disparities young #Black #men are facing everyday regarding their #mentalhealth. It is reported that 40% of #Black #teenagers struggle with persistent sadness and feelings of #hopelessness. As many as 22% seriously consider #suicide. The #suicide rates of #Black #Americans between 10-24 years old increased 36% over the past three years alone. As compared with #white #Americans, half as many #Black #Americans that need help, receive treatment. Further, #Black #men are more likely than #Black #women to die by #suicide.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
#Mentalhealth is health and is “our fuel that allows us to show up in the world” as stated by Dr. Murthy. It takes expanding the #behavioralhealth workforce to be more diverse, creating prevention measures in our communities, and prioritizing the voices of those suffering.
Across #America there is a #behavioral healthcare workforce shortage that prevents millions from receiving critical care. To address this issue, Dr. Evans argued that #America must address #student debt to alleviate the financial burden for individuals to get trained. In turn, this would improve system capacity and yield a more diverse workforce. Banks recalled his difficult experience in finding a #behavioral #healthcareprofessional with the same #racial and cultural background as him. This difficulty is another example of the importance in diversifying the workforce and providing race-based #trauma support for #BlackAmericans.
In addition, the panelists discussed taking a preventative approach through an increase in funding for #mentalhealthresource programs in our communities. The question was raised, how can we foster healthy and safe environments in our daily lives? Even if we can expand the workforce to meet the needs, understanding prevention and building programs that aim to prevent #mentalhealthdisorders is at the forefront of this issue. This includes training programs for: violence prevention, the workplace, resilience programs in #schools, and equity.
Please take a moment to listen to this important discussion. If you would like to become involved in ACA’s advocacy efforts, you can contact the ACA Government Affairs and Public Policy team at [email protected].
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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