First Lady McCray Expands Partnership To Promote Mental Health And Wellness In Communities Like Harlem

First Lady Chirlane McCray today announced Brothers Thrive, a volunteer effort led by black men to promote mental health literacy in their communities. The First Lady will spearhead the coalition which brings together six national service organizations to raise awareness about mental illness, substance misuse, and the stigma associated with seeking treatment. Within its first year, Brothers Thrive will work to encourage a more culturally relevant mental health workforce as part of the recently created Mental Health Advisory Group, create safe spaces throughout the boroughs for conversations, support, and strategy building, and leverage the leadership of black men to encourage their networks to be trained in Mental Health First Aid. Brothers Thrive joins Sisters Thrive–launched in December 2017–as partnering efforts to support the needs of black communities throughout the city. The First Lady announced the partnership today alongside the representatives at a press conference which was followed by the first round of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings.

“Brothers Thrive represents the same strength we witnessed this past December with Sisters Thrive; unity, collaboration, and impact. Both initiatives mark the first time that a major city has tackled mental health with the collaboration of these notable organizations, and collectively, I believe their partnership will lead to more and better services for African-American, immigrant, and marginalized communities,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. More than 550,000 men are members of the participating Brothers Thrive service organizations which include: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., and 100 Black Men. All of the organizations have notable health and wellness programs and have committed to using their collective resources to support Brothers Thrive. Black men are leaders. They know how best to overcome the challenges they face. I am honored to partner with, listen to, and learn from the brothers within our city.”

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, cultural biases can prevent many African-Americans from accessing health care services. A history of inadequate treatment, exploitive testing and a lack of cultural competence by health professionals may explain why today, an estimated one-quarter of African-Americans seek mental health care compared to 40 percent of white Americans. Brothers Thrive will work to encourage a national dialogue that eliminates these significant barriers to treatment.

Meanwhile, the First Lady is recognized nationally as a champion for mental health reform. Two years ago, she launched ThriveNYC, the City’s comprehensive plan to address mental illness and substance misuse. The First Lady has expanded this mission to nearly 200 cities that are working under the banner Cities Thrive Coalition to support a stronger, better funded and more integrated behavioral health system nationwide. Brothers Thrive will leverage existing resources of ThriveNYC to support volunteer efforts.

“We the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. recognize the importance and support of the Brother’s Thrive initiative. Mental health challenges among black and Latino men continue to be kept a secret in our communities and we must bring them to light. Through these trainings, we are equipping people with the tools they need,”,” said Lucien Metellus, Eastern Regional Vice President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

“Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is committed to promoting mental health awareness as a critical part of its overall Health and Wellness cluster,” said Thomas L. Battles, Jr., Grand Polemarch, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

“Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is honored to partner with First Lady Chirlane McCray on this great initiative to address mental health first aid in our communities. We will lend our assistance to help train and prepare selected individuals to more adequately confront and help eradicate this disease from those that suffer, often in shameful silence. Congratulations on this major undertaking that will directly help to close the glaring gaps of disparity with hands on impact,” said Antonio F. Knox, Sr., Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

… Mental Illness, especially in the Africa-American community; where access to proper care can be limited. This partnership will be a game changer for the people of New York City and we are proud to be a part of it,…

“For far too long, too many families have been living and struggling with mental health challenges in the shadows of our society. As a brotherhood of conscious men actively serving our communities, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is committed to letting those who live with mental illness know that they are not alone in this battle. Phi Beta Sigma is proud to partner with the Brothers Thrive initiative to help address Mental Illness, especially in the Africa-American community; where access to proper care can be limited. This partnership will be a game changer for the people of New York City and we are proud to be a part of it,” said Micheal E. Cristal, International President, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

…There are too many individuals who are living with undiagnosed depression and other mental health issues. Therefore the Founding Chapter of the One Hundred Black Men fully supports the incredible efforts of First Lady Chirlane McCray in dealing with this important issue…

“There are too many individuals who are living with undiagnosed depression and other mental health issues. Therefore the Founding Chapter of the One Hundred Black Men fully supports the incredible efforts of First Lady Chirlane McCray in dealing with this important issue” said Michael Garner, OHBM, Inc. Of NY President

“Brothers Thrive will mobilize the know-how, public service spirit, and commitment to uplift of all partners. I am particularly proud that my Omega Psi Phi brothers join in this effort. Building upon ThriveNYC’s work thus far, Brothers Thrive expands an already significant commitment to more healthful communities for all New Yorkers,” said New York State Senator Jesse Hamilton. “I welcome this initiative, I welcome this effort to train 2,000 black men in Mental Health First Aid, and I applaud First Lady Chirlane McCray’s continued dedication to charting a course towards better mental health, both in public policy and on the ground, in the everyday lives of our communities.”

“I would like to commend New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray and the de Blasio administration for creating the Brothers Thrive imitative to mirror the Sister’s Thrive collaboration founded in 2017,” said New York State Senator Leroy Comrie. “Fraternal organizations, and others working to remove the stigma associated with mental health and substance abuse treatment is sorely needed in our community and I look forward to continuing to foster the partnerships necessary to ensure that all who need help can get it and not be ashamed to seek it.”

“People in need of mental health services have faced stigma for too long,” said New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “First Lady Chirlane McCray’s work to challenge misconceptions and expand access by engaging communities that historically lacked adequate care is a significant step to breaking down the numerous barriers that prevent New Yorkers from addressing their mental health.”

“Many young adults face problems that require professional help from mental health professionals. Early intervention is the most effective way to prevent difficulties later in life,” said Assistant Speaker of New York State Assembly Felix W. Ortiz.

“As a member of the Assembly Committee on Mental Health, and a longtime advocate for funding mental health programs, making them more available, and educating the public to the issues, I salute our city’s First Lady for her efforts and to the Brothers Thrive program. The more we publicize the need for better services – and reduce the stigma of seeking help – the better. Mental health issues need to be understood as a disease like any other physical affliction. Today’s announcement is a giant step in that direction,” said Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda.

“Stigma can regularly be the reason for men of color not addressing mental health concerns not getting help. However, through leadership, encouragement, awareness and support, we are breaking past any barriers to be healed,” said Assemblyman Michael Blake said. “I applaud First Lady McCray, my fellow Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and all collaborating organizations for launching #BrothersThrive, ensuring that through addressing mental health for men of color we continue #BuildingABetterBronx and a greater New York City.”

“In communities of color, mental health conditions are stigmatized, which prevents people from accessing the services they need for the betterment of their health. As the Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction, I would like to thank First Lady McCray for her investment in Brothers Thrive, as it will serve as a mechanism to promote mental health literacy in communities with histories of being medically underserved,” said Council Member Diana Ayala.

“Ending the stigma of mental illness and educating more people about mental illness is critical to successfully addressing the dire need for mental health care, especially in our city’s black and brown communities. As the former operator of an 18-bed facility to mentally-ill substance abusers, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and an elected representative of Bedford Stuyvesant and northern Crown Heights, I am proud to support this initiative, which I believe will make a profound positive impact on the lives of countless New Yorkers struggling with mental illness,” said Council Member Robert Cornegy, Jr.

“As the city ramps up its mental and behavioral health awareness efforts, it is critical that we promote the importance of wellness in communities of color,” said Council Member Donovan Richards. “We must break down of all the barriers that are created by the stigma around mental illness and substance misuse to ensure that everyone in need is connected with the necessary services. I’d like to thank First Lady McCray for her sincere dedication to ending the mental health stigma in communities of color.”

Get more information at Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Get more information at Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Get more information at Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Get more information at Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Get more information at Iota Phi Theta Sorority, Inc.

Get more information at 100 Black Men, Inc. 

Get more information at Mental Health First Aid course