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Friend,
It's hard to believe that we are well into 2023 already! We are excited to share the hard work that many of YOU helped us accomplish last year in our 2022 Annual Report. Because of our partnerships, donors, and volunteers, Give an Hour made a huge mental health impact on thousands of individuals, numerous communities and companies, and their approach to wellness.
As you'll read in the report, two of our strategic goals are to grow our mental health provider network to 50K strong and impact 8 million individuals in their mental health journey over the next three years. Give an Hour plans to do this through our programming, training, volunteer opportunities, and our public mental health education opportunities. You will see us use the word "gap" in mental health care a lot if you haven't already. Give an Hour is prioritizing our work around filling these gaps.
Speaking of filling gaps in mental health care, we would be remiss if we did not mention Black History Month in this newsletter and acknowledge that Blacks and African Americans are disproportionately more likely to experience mental health issues and social stigma. Making meaningful impact starts with acknowledging the current status of our mental health systems, beliefs, and yes, stigmas. Ongoing stigma and lack of access to health care is a barrier for anyone with a mental health condition, but there is a particular disparity when it comes to minorities, especially in this community.
It is important for mental health professionals and advocates to acknowledge and address the historical and ongoing racism and discrimination in the mental health system, and to work towards creating a more equitable and just system that promotes mental health for all. This includes promoting culturally sensitive and responsive mental health care, increasing access to mental health services for marginalized communities, and working to eliminate the systemic barriers that prevent Black people from receiving the care they need.
Give an Hour is closing the gaps in behavioral health care inequities and disparities for a number of minorities, including people who identify as Black or African American.
*By using the term "Black," we are able to recognize and honor the many contributions of all people of African descent, regardless of their specific backgrounds.
450+ Wellness Ambassadors and Counting
We have big plans for our Wellness Ambassadors this year and can't wait to share it with you. Want to stay in the know? Join this group of amazing individuals who are advocating for mental health and wellness in their communities, volunteering to help Give an Hour meet our goals, and lead through individual example by walking the walk.
Mental Health Training
Didn't see our last email announcing our new Training Department? You can read all about it here. Over the past year we have identified the need to step up and provide much needed mental health training for organizations. Check out our services and get in touch with our Training Director to book your training.
In the Fall we hope to launch our Emotional Wellbeing Training Center that will be for individuals seeking training too! Tell us what you want and how you want it in this survey so that we can do our best to help you and those you know.
Sponsors Needed for In-Person Event: Send Them Our Way
You read right! We are having an in person event in Austin, TX. Consider using your hour this week or paying it forward by sending this invite to a person or organization you know would want, or dare we say need, to be involved with Give an Hour as a sponsor.
Call for Guest Writers
Have something to write about that fits on our blog? Reply to this email with details or questions.
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