SAN ANTONIO (July 12, 2018) – The NAACP aims to dispel the stigma of mental illness in the Black community by hosting a Health Luncheon on July 16 at 12:30 pm, as part of several health related sessions during the organization’s 109th annual convention in San Antonio, Texas.
The luncheon, titled What’s on Your Mind? African Americans and Mental Health; will address the scope, causes, and impact of mental illness in Black Americans. Furthermore, it will explore efforts to address mental illness and promote mental health; and ways to advocate for more effective practices and policies, as well as the importance of elevating African-American voices in mental health advocacy.
Media interested in covering the event should apply for credentials here.
Keynoting this luncheon will be Dr. Ruth White, PhD, MPH, MSW – Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Social Change and Innovation, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California; Author, The Stress Management Workbook
Other Health highlights at the Convention include:
A Health Workshop on July 17, 2:30 pm, Violence and Trauma: Using a Public Health Lens to Save Black Lives. Attendees will learn about existing and proposed transformative approaches, the critical role of grassroots leaders, and how advocates can support policy change to expand similar efforts and help reform systems for justice and for healthy communities. Speaking at this session will be:
- Shakyra Diaz, Managing Director, Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, Alliance for Safety and Justice; Associate Director, Californians for Safety and Justice
- Anna Morgan, Mullane, DSW, LCSW-R – Vice President of Mental Health Services, Children of Promise NYC
- Troy Smith, Police and Community Relations Coordinator, WestCare Foundation
- Aswad Thomas, Chapter Development and Membership Director, Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, Alliance for Safety and Justice
Morning Fitness Group Lessons with Former NFL Player, Carl Greenwood on July 16-17 from 5:45-6:30 AM at the Grand Hyatt, Crockett AB (600 East Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205). Participants will be able to join beginner cardio and strength training sessions to learn how to tone and sculpt their bodies.
The NAACP Health Pavilion: July 15, 11am-7 pm; July 16, 11am – 6pm; July 17, 12pm – 7 pm; July 18, 12pm – 6pm. This year’s pavilion features more than 30 exhibitors over the course of four days. Offerings include free health screenings, interactive displays, information on health promotion and disease management, fitness challenges, massages and giveaways.
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Other convention highlights will include the 40th anniversary of NAACP ACT-SO (Academic, Cultural, Technical and Scientific Olympics) final competition former San Francisco Mayor, the Honorable Willie L. Brown Jr. will receive the prestigious Spingarn Medal, plus a health pavilion, retail expo, veterans’ luncheon and a diversity career fair.
More information about the 2018 NAACP National Convention, including a detailed schedule of events may be found by visiting naacpconvention.org. Media interested in covering the event should apply for credentials here.
