Racism, discrimination, and inequity can significantly affect a person’s mental health. African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health issues than the general population. While research on the psychological impact of racism and racial discrimination has only emerged within the last two decades, studies show that experiencing either can affect people’s health. Studies also show that race-related stress and trauma are associated with the development of lifetime depressive and mood disorders. It is more important than ever to strengthen our network of mental health supports for people who are struggling right now or may have faced healthcare disparities and discrimination in the past.
Transparencies February 2022
TRANSPARENCIES
A monthly newsletter from Integral Care
Strengthening Our Network of Mental Health Support
A Message From Our CEO
Each February, Integral Care hosts the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference to bring information and resources as well as build a community of support. Last week, the conference celebrated 22 years. The conference boasted over 551 attendees from 8 states, 2 keynotes, 29 presenters, 19 workshops and live entertainment. CTAAFSC speaker topics included parenting, faith and mental health, overcoming trauma and grief, health equity, substance use, domestic violence, the child welfare system, and much more. Attendees represented people with lived experience, mental health specialists, members of the faith community, and business, non-profit, and community leaders.
I invite you to visit the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference website in the coming days and watch our keynotes and workshop presentations. In the meantime, here are some highlights from our phenomenal keynote speakers.
• Regina Louise, author & child advocate, shared her story of growing up in the foster care system. Ms. Louise emphasized the importance of self-love. In one of her books, she talks about “lovefirmations,” a mash-up of “love” and “affirmation.” These statements offer ways to give ourselves unconditional love and appreciation.
• Mike Veny, corporate wellness coach and bestselling author, shared helpful self-care exercises like doing a “brain dump.” Make a list of the things that are running through your mind so that you can get them out of your head, which helps ease stress and anxiety and gain clarity.
Thank you to our Central Texas African American Family Support Conference Planning Committee, our sponsors, and public and private community collaborators who make this conference a reality every year. Looking forward to celebrating 23 years in 2023!
David Evans
Chief Executive Officer
Transparencies Archive
Past Transparencies sorted by year
2022
January 2022: Looking Ahead in 2022
2021
December 2021: Celebrating Progress & Innovation in 2021
November 2021: Action Steps Toward Preventing and Ending Homelessness
October 2021: Language Access & Racial Equity
September 2021: Treatment & Addiction Psychiatry at Integral Care
August 2021: Returning to School plus the Legislative Wrap-up
July 2021: Creating Lasting Change for BIPOC Mental Health
June 2021: Facts & Resources This Pride Month
May 2021: Mental Health Month
April 2021: How do we help Austinites experiencing homelessness?
March 2021: Growth and Positive Change
February 2021: How Do We Create a Better Future?
January 2021: Looking Ahead to the Legislative Session
2020
December 2020: Supporting Your Mental Health This Winter
November 2020: How do we rebuild health and well-being during a pandemic?
October 2020: With Collaboration Comes Innovation
September 2020: Success Stories of Recovery and Suicide Prevention
August 2020: A Back to School Season Like Never Before
July 2020: Minority Health Disparities & COVID-19
June 2020: Stronger Together
May 2020: Surviving and Thriving During Uncertain Times
April 2020: Persevering During COVID-19
March 2020: Collaborations and Initiatives to Improve Health for the IDD Population
February 2020:Solutions to Health and Health Care Disparities
January 2020: Sucicide Prevention a Local Effort
2019
December 2019: A Year of Thriving Care & Collaboration
November 2019: Teamwork and Collaboration Impact Homelessness in Travis County
October 2019:Making Strides for World Mental Health
September 2019: Taking Steps to Recovery Support
August 2019: Working Together for Child & Youth Mental Health
July 2019: Legislative Wrap-Up – Some Bipartisan Wins for Healthcare
June 2019: Strengthening Access for Veterans and the Entire Military Family
May 2019: Women and Mental Health
April 2019: Legislative Session Status Report
March 2019: Making Opportunities for Recovery More Accessible
February 2019: Recovery is Possible
January 2019: Stronger Outcomes Through Collaboration
December 2018: Looking ahead to the 86th Texas Legislature
November 2018: How Tech is Changing the Face of Mental Health
October 2018: A Few Questions Could Help Save a Life
September 2018: Anyone Can Save a Life
August 2018: A Milestone Moment
July 2018: Equity in Mental Health Care for All
June 2018: Expanding Services for Veterans
2018
May 2018: Your Mental Health Toolkit
April 2018: Time of Terror Calls for Increased Emotional Support
March 2018: Stopping the cycle of incarceration for individuals with mental illness
February 2018: Equity in mental healthcare for everyone
January 2018 : Improving Mental Health Through Partnership & Collaboration
2017
December 2017: Strength Through Community
November 2017 : Healthy Lifestyles Improve Well-Being
October 2017 : National Child Health Day
September 2017 : Strengthening Families and Communities
Program Highlight: Central Texas African American Family Support Conference Planning Committee
The Central Texas African American Family Support Conference Planning Committee makes the conference possible. This amazing group of volunteers gathers all year long to create a meaningful conference. The Planning Committee solicits and selects the workshop topics, plans the entertainment, fundraises, and spreads the word about the conference. The committee is comprised of a diverse group of health professionals, advocates, and people with lived experience. Many of our committee members have been with the conference since it started in 2000. The commitment, dedication and heart of these individuals makes the conference what it is today – a unique, inclusive homecoming for people looking for information, support and resources. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts.
Welcome Lone Star Circle of Care
Black History Month Staff Picks
