The Indiana Black Expo recently unveiled a new mental health series during its 2024 Summer Celebration. The Mental Health Symposium, a two-part series, aims to educate the local Black community on mental health and brain wellness. Collaborating with the Indiana State Department of Health as part of the Black & Minority Health Fair, the symposium seeks to empower individuals to better cope with mental illness.
According to Edward Rodgers, director of event management with IBE, the first part of the series focused on supporting seniors and senior caregivers with mental health challenges, which was held on Thursday. Rodgers emphasized that the symposium provides valuable information and resources to support and advance knowledge about brain health.
The second part of the Mental Health Symposium, titled “Cherish Your Mind,” will take place on Saturday at the Indiana Convention Center. Moderated by journalist Ed Gordon, this event will cover topics such as brain health, navigating healthcare systems, and reducing the stigma of mental health conditions. Admission is free, and registration is open to everyone who wants to attend.
Antoniette Holt, director for the Office of Minority Health at ISDH stressed the importance of accessing health resources for minorities who disproportionately suffer from chronic illnesses. She urged attendees to invest in themselves by taking advantage of over $4,500 in free health screenings offered at the Black & Minority Health Fair. This fair has been held annually in Indianapolis for nearly 40 years as part of IBE events. Interested individuals can contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster Abriana Herron at aherron@wfyi.org for more information about attending or participating in this unique event.
