TULSA, Okla. — A mental health alliance focused on Tulsa's Black community officially launched Thursday.
The Tulsa Black Mental Health Alliance seeks to eliminate stigma and find ways to help all Tulsans when it comes to their mental health.
“When the Black community is in trouble, when all communities in Tulsa are in trouble, that's when the Black Alliance will come out and help,” said Dwayne Mason, vice president of the Tulsa Black Mental Health Alliance. Junior said.
The Terrence Crutcher Foundation supported the official launch of a new community outlet for people in need of mental health support.
The alliance is comprised of board members and clinicians.
Ebony Skillens is one of the board members who said she is proud to be involved in the community and contribute in such an important way.
“I'm proud to offer integrity and therapy. I'm proud that we have a common cultural ground where we can talk and communicate. Where we get to know and meet each other on that level, it's It's on a cultural level and it may be different, but it's still the same and that's important to me,” Skillens said.
She said the alliance came together to change the stigma associated with mental health in the Black community.
“It’s about showing that we have clinicians who are ready to go into our communities and get licensed and certified and help our communities,” Skillens said.
One such clinician is Mr. Mason, who also serves as vice chair of the board of directors. As a Black man, he said this is especially important for male youth.
“My role as that provider is to show representation as a mental health provider for Black men, but also to be aware of what the Tulsa and north Tulsa communities need in terms of supporting Black men. As someone who is, it seems different. We know there aren't many providers like us. That's another reason why it's so important that we represent this. ,” Mason said.
They received a grant to get the alliance up and running.
We also partner with Tulsa Public Schools and local universities.
The alliance has also launched a website where you can see the services it offers, including mobile services.
Click here to find the website.
