Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference set for Sept. 20 at Parkland College; keynote from Breaking Barriers International

Organizers announced the Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, at Parkland College from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The coalition encouraged attendance and emphasized workshops that support mental-health resilience and community connection.

Donna, the coalition speaker who presented the announcement, described the “5 C’s” approach promoted at the conference — coping, confidence, connection, community and caring — and said most workshops incorporate at least three of those elements. She said registration will open in about two weeks, that registration is free, and that breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Donna said continuing-education units (CEUs) for licensed professionals will be available this year at a cost; she cited an example offering of “8 for $25” and described the fee increase as outside the organizers’ control. She also described conference vendors, resource organizations and fundraising or sales tables that will be on-site.

Organizers will show a video about Breaking Barriers International, whose founder and executive director Donna identified as Dr. Tiffany Golson (a licensed clinical social worker who previously worked in Champaign-Urbana and now directs parent and student support services for the East St. Louis School District). Donna said Breaking Barriers International supports children exposed to trauma or violence with counseling, mentoring, parenting classes and programs that include respite care and travel opportunities. She said the organization also runs a program to support children who now use wheelchairs following violence.

Coalition members were urged to register, bring community members and contact Tracy or Mikael for more information; no municipal funding or formal endorsement was announced at the meeting.