Community Leaders in Government and Healthcare Join Forces for National Suicide Prevention Month
PHOENIX, April 28, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The HeroZona Foundation is excited to announce the return of a special segment of the Bridge Forum, "Mental Health", during which a panel of Arizona leaders in government and healthcare will discuss mental health issues plaguing the state and what actions can be taken to help community members struggling to access the resources they need. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 3, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Footprint Center (201 E. Jefferson St.) in Phoenix. The invitation-only event is supported by the Phoenix Suns, the National Newspaper Publishers Association and Equality Health Foundation. The forum will also be live-streamed to the public at Facebook.com/Suns.
"There are many stereotypes that surround mental health which perpetuate harm to Arizonans struggling with certain diagnoses," said Alan "AP" Powell, chairman of AP & Associates - Strategic Alliances, U.S. Army Desert-Storm veteran and HeroZona cofounder. "Forums like this one are important in breaking those stigmas and helping the community better understand how to support those affected by mental health issues."
"The events of the past two years have no doubt impacted the mental health of our community," Phoenix Suns President & CEO Jason Rowley said. "Our organization is honored to provide an environment that will advance the discourse on the importance of mental health with such an esteemed panel to assist our friends, family and others with the education and resources they need."
null [Event panelists include COPA Health CEO Shar Najafri-Piper, PhD, Arizona Coalition for Military Families Director Thomas Winkel, Mercy Care Deputy CEO Tad Gary, Solari Crisis & Human Services President and CEO Justin Chase and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Chief Medical Officer Cara Christ, MD, MS. The event will be moderated by Equality Health Foundation President Tomas Leon.
"The pandemic has worsened the mental health crisis in America indicated by higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicide," said Leon. "It's imperative that we bring together first responders and the mental health community to find innovative solutions that improve how we help people in during a crisis."
The event keynote will be given by the National Basketball Players Association Director of Mental Health and Wellness William D. Parham, PhD, with special remarks by President & CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, National Director of the Million Man March, and Assistant to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. Dr. Chavis first received international recognition in 1971 as the leader of the Wilmington Ten, when he was wrongfully convicted of committing arson and received the longest sentence before winning his appeal in 1980.
"It is noteworthy that the Bridge Forum on Mental Health is very timely and really needed," said Dr. Chavis. "This is a national issue because of the growing mental health crisis in communities across the United States, and in underserved communities. The NNPA again recognizes and salutes the leadership of the Phoenix Suns and others in Arizona for supporting the crucially important Bridge Forum on Mental Health. We will be there to fully participate and to represent the Black Press of America."
"Mental wealth is the sum of all emotional vitality which all persons are always in possession of, even if they are unaware that they possess these gems of inner strength," said Dr. Parham. "Mental wealth is also seen in the abilities to see, acknowledge, and accept that life offers trials and tribulations that inevitably open portals for people to discover that they have levels of 'survival genius' and untapped emotional, mental, and physical tools they can use to free themselves from the clutches of despair, hit the reset button, and find their way forward with a renewed sense of purpose, direction, and optimism."
Also in attendance will be Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone, Tempe Police Department Chief of Police Jeffrey Glover and Mesa Fire Department Fire Chief Mary Cameli.
The foundation has launched a variety of community programs including The Bridge Forum 'Time for Change' Summits, which bring leaders from across the country together to discuss racial inequality, police relations, veterans' issue, mental health and more. Other initiatives include Phoenix Tools 4 School, Holiday Bike Giveaways, MLK Celebrating the Dream, Veterans Reach to Teach and the HeroZona Forgotten Heroes Breakfast.
In January 2018, the Scottsdale Police Department implemented 29 new initiatives from the Scottsdale Bridge Forum 2017, which included establishing sufficient resources for police personnel dealing with trauma, establishing dialogue opportunities with under-served communities, enhancing engagement with the community's youth, and identifying ways to address the needs of the community related to behavioral health.
For more information about the Bridge Forum and to stream its upcoming event on Tuesday, May 3, visit Facebook.com/Suns.
About HeroZona Foundation
The HeroZona Foundation is a non-profit organization that empowers Heroes in the community through entrepreneurship, employment, and education. The group works with veterans, first responders and those that bring social good to future generations and under-served communities. The foundation's mission is to create opportunities for the brave men and women who serve their country, and community, every day. For more information, please visit HeroZona.org.
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