NAMI CC African American
NAMI Contra Costa offers Statewide Support Services to African Americans in need of support.
Our Crisis Counselors are made up of African Americans with lived experience as peers and family members with specific subject matter expertise via our COVID-19 Warmline.
NAMI CC provides culturally sensitive, non-clinical crisis counseling for African Americans, by African Americans.
We provide resources, information, and support to help people find their way during these difficult times of the pandemic and social unrest. We work with African American Faith Leaders across the state to facilitate trainings and replace misinformation and to reach the broadest audience.
COVID-19 highlighted a history of racism and unequal access to healthy environments, opportunities, and resources needed for good health in communities of color. Living under such conditions can make it harder to prevent and control chronic conditions, like high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes.
People with these underlying health conditions or those with cancer and uncontrolled HIV are at greater risk of serious illness and death if they get COVID-19.
How to Contact Us
Contact The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Contra Costa for resources, information, and/or culturally sensitive, non-clinical crisis counseling for African Americans, by African Americans at (925) 465-3864.
Program Spotlight – NAMI Contra Costa
Each week CalMHSA, spotlights a program/organization. This week we have a wonderful story from Philip H. Arnold Jr. of NAMI Contra Costa.
My biggest blessing came in Pittsburg, CA in April helping with the Covid-19 Mobile Vaccination Clinic Support when this 100 year old "Church Mother" whose name was Rochester Henry arrived. As her daughter was getting her out of the car, I went to offer my assistance. When she was stabilized out of the car with her walker I asked her if she was here for the beauty contest. Her eyes then sparkled and as she looked into my soul she emphatically said “YES!” I did not leave her side the entire time she was there for her vaccination. I got her situated in a cushioned chair, got her a blanket for her legs, and then had the registration table come to her so she wouldn’t have to get up and walk to it and stand in line. The nurses came to her, and all publicly honored her. I cannot express in words how blessed I feel helping at the Mobile Vax Clinics comfort those in need and those who have apprehension about the vaccination in general.
African American Support Groups
NAMI Contra Costa is committed to supporting the African American community. For that reason, we are providing various Zoom support groups for those in need of support or resources. Our groups listed below are catered to, but not limited to, the African American community. Please contact the group providers for more information.
African-American Family Support Group
4th Wednesday of each month from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
For more information, assistance, and to RSVP, please contact the facilitator.
Young Adult Support Group
Join our African American young adult-led support group! We provide emotional support, an opportunity to share your story, advice (on school, work, mental health, religion, and etc.), coping skills, discussion, and a space to build relationships/connections for young adults ages 18-32. Though the group is catered to and focused on the African American community, all are welcome to join.
Every 4th Monday of the month from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Facilitated by:
Naomi Gashaw
(925) 765-9268
naomi.gashaw@namicontracosta.org
Kameron Theus-Box
(925) 942-0767
Kameron.Theus-Box@namicontracosta.org
African American Young Women’s Group
Welcoming all African American (AA) women from ages 17-29 including young mothers, graduates, any young women who would like to give and receive support from other young women in a judgment-free environment!
Meets every 3rd Friday of the month from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Faith-Focused Grief/Faith and Prayer Support Group
Join our African American-led support group to learn how to deal with grief, mental health, and other issues through spiritual tools and practices of faith. Though focused on African American spirituality and faith practices, non-African American attendees will not be excluded.
Every 2nd Friday of the month from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Facilitated by:
(Min.) Desiree Rushing
(925) 942-0767
desiree.rushing@namicontracosta.org
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