What is the work you are representing as a member of the committee?

Professionally, I am a vision director, health equity diversity and inclusion from MercyOne Iowa. But my involvement with Make it OK and the Healthiest State spans some of my volunteer roles and definitely my passion and interests.

How does your work contribute to the mental health support balance in the Black community in Iowa?

I chair the Iowa/Nebraska NAACP health committee. The NAACP is committed to equity and social justice in all areas, really for African Americans, but generally for people of color. Health falls into one of their priorities or game changers. Secondly, I also chair One Economy health committee which is actually how I became aware of Make It OK. One Economy is a nonprofit, local organization that's purpose was to raise awareness on disparities again, primarily within the African American community here in central Iowa. They did a focus group of residents several years ago, and health really elevated. Whether it was access to health, lack of insurance or not having a primary care provided, [it was] elevated as one of the disparity gaps that we have here in Polk county among the African American population. Finally, from a personal stand point, we’ve had mental health challenges within my own family. Make It OK is family and erasing the stigma aspect of MIO really struck a cord with me related to the personal experiences.  

I intersect with the various roles I have, so certainly with my volunteer roles with the NAACP, One Economy, and by nature by my professional position, almost every other organization I’m in, including my church, I usually lead activities and information related to health. Speaking of my church, my church has long been interested, I attend Corinthian Baptist Church, the pastor is Dr. Jonathon Whitfield, and he and his wife been long interested in any advocacy, education and awareness that we can provide to  members of our church about mental health.  Over the years, we have had sessions at our church, we’ve partnered with organizations in the community who are committed to bringing mental health awareness and we’ve provided support groups at Corinthian related to mental health issues. As you can tell, this area really consumes almost all parts of my life whether it be professional, personal or volunteer.  

Why did you choose to say yes to this committee?

It’s hard to say no to both Jami and Courageous. I am delighted to work with Jami. She and I first met each other with the One Economy Health Committee role and I’m just so impressed with her commitment of bringing advocacy and awareness of mental health and behavioral health. She was interested in Behavioral health issues and awareness and providing a cultural sensitivity and how erasing stigma particularly in communities of color to Make It OK. I’ve long respected her initiative in those areas and was more than delighted to say yes to this particular project.