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Commission for Women unanimously backs pilot plan targeting mental health and chronic disease among North Miami women
Summary
Commissioner Dr. Etienne presented a two‑part policy proposal to create a women's mental health collaborative and a community health navigator pilot focused on chronic disease prevention; the commission voted unanimously to advance the idea and asked for a one‑page budget summary.
The North Miami Commission for Women unanimously approved moving forward with a two‑part policy proposal to address urgent women’s health needs, focusing on culturally responsive mental‑health services and chronic disease prevention.
Commissioner Dr. Bevilyn Etienne introduced the proposal, saying the recommendations reflect regional health data and community feedback, especially in zip code 33161. Etienne presented two priorities: a women’s mental health collaborative offering free counseling, peer‑led support groups and trauma‑informed care in partnership with local clinics and nonprofits; and a community health navigator program that would train local women to provide health education, screenings and referrals targeted at diabetes, hypertension and nutrition.
"We felt that North Miami women face these elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and trauma, yet they lack access to affordable, culturally responsive mental health services," Commissioner Etienne said. She described the plan as a 12‑month pilot with quarterly evaluations, measurable metrics (for example, emergency‑room visits for mental‑health crises and participation in wellness programs), and an equity focus prioritizing women of color, immigrants and low‑income residents.
Commissioners asked for a succinct, itemized budget to accompany the policy when it is advanced to the City Council. The chair asked Etienne to prepare a one‑page executive summary and cost estimate; Etienne agreed. Commissioners and the chair emphasized collaboration with existing city health fairs, local clinics and nonprofits. Etienne also referenced potential funding sources including federal grants and philanthropic partnerships, and the transcript records her citing SAMHSA and Miami‑Dade County initiatives as examples of alignment with established programs.
The commission voted to advance the proposal to the City Council for consideration; the item passed unanimously. Commissioners Rose Gampierre and others offered support and recommended integrating the proposal with existing city events to minimize new costs. Chair Dr. Naomi Blamere and commissioners committed to reviewing the one‑page budget at the following meeting and to work with staff to place the matter on a council agenda if the commission approves final language.
Ending: The commission approved the proposal to proceed and requested an executive one‑page budget and an implementation timeline to be reviewed at the next commission meeting before being forwarded to City Council.
