Deep Dark Secret: A Closer Look at Mental Illness in the African American Community

Description:

Vetta Sanders-Thompson, PhD, and Jermine Alberty, BSB/M, MDiv, will discuss the taboo subject of mental illness in the African American community. They will explore topics surrounding the causes of the illness, the reason for the secret, and the need to break the silence.Sanders-Thompson and Alberty will address major mental health issues in the African American community, their causes, their effects on physical health, and the taboos surrounding them. They will also discuss the role of the clergy in combating the stigma against mental illness, and Mental Health First Aid-an education program that helps the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

Release Date:

2/1/2013

Duration:

30 minutes

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Presenter:

Vetta Sanders-Thompson, PhD, and Jermine D. Alberty, BSB/M, Mdiv

Vetta Sanders-Thompson, PhD, is currently on faculty at Washington University in St. Louis, the Brown School, and was an Associate Professor in the School of Public Health, Department of Community Health, at Saint Louis University. Dr. Thompson’s research has covered a broad range of issues addressing health and mental health. Her research includes developing and applying measurement tools to assess ethnic/racial identity, racism, discrimination and stressful life events, and socio-cultural determinants and correlates of health and mental health in African Americans.
Jermine D. Alberty, BSB/M, MDiv, works currently at the Missouri Institute of Mental Health as the Mental Health First Aid Training Director in the Prevention, Outreach and Professional Education division. Jermine received his undergraduate degree at the University of Phoenix, and his Master of Divinity at Central Baptist Theological Seminary. He has over 20 years of experience in human service oriented positions within non-profits, churches and the city of Kansas City, Missouri. He has worked in the mental health field for seven years and worked for Comprehensive Mental Health Services as the Coordinator of Staff Development and Community Education before joining MIMH. He is a statewide trainer of Cultural Competency in Mental Health Services and a National Trainer of Mental Health First Aid.

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Accreditation

The University of Missouri, Missouri Institute of Mental Health will be responsible for this program and will maintain a record of your continuing education credits earned. MIMH will award 1 clock hour or 1.2 contact hours (.1 CEU) for this program. MIMH credit will fulfill Clinical Social Work and Psychologist licensure requirements in the State of Missouri. Attendees with licensure from other states are responsible for seeking appropriate continuing education credit, from their respective boards for completing this program.

License information for Missouri residents: http://pr.mo.gov/professions.asp

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