News Summary
In July, mental health advocates highlight BIPOC Mental Health Month, honoring Bebe Moore Campbell’s legacy. Brandarius Johnson leads efforts in mental health awareness in Las Vegas, promoting understanding and resources, especially for youth. His organization, Be the Hope Academy, along with the recently opened Crisis Stabilization Center, are pivotal in addressing rising mental health needs in the community.
Las Vegas – In recognition of Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month, mental health advocates are stepping into the spotlight. July has been designated to honor the legacy of Bebe Moore Campbell, an influential author and journalist who bravely addressed mental health struggles within her family. The U.S. House of Representatives officially recognized this important month in May 2008.
One notable figure leading the charge in raising mental health awareness within the BIPOC community is Brandarius Johnson, a Las Vegas native. Johnson’s advocacy is deeply personal, stemming from the tragic suicide of his girlfriend during his college years. This painful experience catalyzed his commitment to mental health, prompting him to explore healing through faith, community, and physical fitness. Now, he actively shares his journey in public forums, encouraging open conversations about mental health, particularly among young men.
Johnson is dedicated to fostering understanding and awareness among youth. He has founded Be the Hope Academy, a digital social-emotional learning program that equips educators with the necessary tools to enhance students’ mental health and emotional intelligence. In addition, he launched the Be the Hope Tour, a national series of school assemblies aimed at inspiring students through his message of hope and resilience.
As the founder of Heart 2 Give, a nonprofit organization focused on helping individuals overcome adversity, Johnson also operates Day1ambition.com, a platform for personal development and mental health awareness. His journey inspired him to publish his memoir, “Mental Hope: There’s No Surgery for Depression”, in 2022, where he chronicles his experiences of loss and healing. His personal mantra, “Every day is Day 1,” serves as a motivational message, encouraging individuals to face life’s challenges with renewed strength.
The need for mental health resources continues to grow in Las Vegas. Solutions of Change, a local nonprofit, has already assisted over 5,000 residents by providing access to low- or no-cost therapy. The organization collaborates with local schools to enhance mental wellness, with upcoming workshops specifically aimed at the faith-based community.
Enhancing local mental health services, Clark County officials have opened the region’s first Crisis Stabilization Center. This facility addresses mental health emergencies, providing a much-needed alternative to traditional emergency rooms and jails. Spanning 17,000 square feet, it can accommodate 35 outpatient chairs and is designed to serve individuals aged 18 and older, regardless of their insurance status.
The center, funded partially by a state grant of $11.3 million, offers comprehensive psychiatric and detoxification services. It includes facilities for group therapy, individual meetings, and medical screenings. Patients can access care for up to 24 hours, receiving psychiatric evaluations, counseling, and follow-up care lasting up to one year.
With the growing demand for mental health care, officials have announced plans to open additional crisis stabilization centers, ensuring that the needs of the community are met. This initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to filling the gaps in behavioral health services in a region grappling with rising mental health concerns.
As BIPOC Mental Health Month continues, the efforts of individuals like Johnson and organizations such as Solutions of Change and the newly established Crisis Stabilization Center shine a light on critical mental health issues, promoting awareness, education, and support within the community.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Vegas: Las Vegas Filmmaker Bringing Mental Health Awareness Message to Film Festival
- KKLZ: Las Vegas Mental Health Nonprofit Helps 5,000 Residents Get Free Care
- Las Vegas Sun: UMC & Clark County Launch Crisis Stabilization Center
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- Review Journal: Las Vegas Native Continues to Serve as a Beacon of Hope
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
