2023 IWES Policy Advisory Fellows (PAF) Alumni

Question:

Why is it so important/crucial to focus on Black youth mental health (BYMH), especially in New Orleans/the South?

Ama:

For a long time, mental health was a taboo topic of discussion, especially for Black youth in the South. However, now that mental health and mental health care have become trending topics, it is important for researchers and health care providers to understand that mental health and mental health care does not look the same for everyone. For Black youth in New Orleans, it is important that we in the field of public health not only listen to and understand their needs, but also understand the best ways to help them. It is very easy for professionals to assume they know best and ignore uncommon approaches to care, but part of caring for one's mental health is listening to them, and for Black youth in New Orleans, I believe that is the first step to take in moving in the direction of healthier minds.

Question:

What brought you into this project and what is the impact you think the Fellowship will have (or already has had) on your career/future?

Ama:

What initially brought me into this project is the mental health aspect. As a counselor in training, I have a desire to specifically work with Black youth and young adults, and I believed this Fellowship would give me the opportunity to not only do further research about Black youth mental health, but to also understand the needs of Black youth in the city I live in. In addition, although I am not native to New Orleans, I have lived here for the past 4 years and believe that it is still just as important for me to advocate for the youth here and do all I can for the community, just as it would be in my hometown of Washington D.C. Although when I joined my main focus was on mental health, I have been able to see just how much policy affects mental health and how policy can be used to help create a more mentally healthy city. Youth all across the country are our future, and if we want to be sure that we have a secure future, we have to do our best to take care of our future leaders.

Question:

What policy or systems changes would you recommend to support BYMH? What is lacking now, or what equity gaps need to be addressed to improve BYMH?

Ama:

One specific policy I would recommend would be to increase the number of mental health counselors per school. Children typically spend most of their time in school, and though many schools have counselors, they often either serve as an academic counselor or they serve as a place where teachers send “disruptive” students when they don’t have the capacity to work with them. Also, many schools don’t have enough counselors to properly address the needs of students. I think having counselors in schools whose job is specifically to help students with mental struggles they are experiencing can do wonders for students, especially those who maybe feel misunderstood or like they have no one who will listen to them.

Question:

What is your vision of a world where Black youth have all of the mental health supports they need? What would it take to get there and what is your hope for the future?

Ama:

To get to a place in the world where Black youth have access to all the mental health support they need, first we have to be honest about what has not worked in the past and why. It would also require those working in the healthcare field to consider going into communities, getting to know and understand the lives of youth, and taking suggestions from them about what they think they need. When I think of how this looks, I picture youth having access to free mental health care; community centers in every community with space for youth to engage in creative outlets; and parents involving themselves in training on how to speak to their children about mental health struggles and being open and supportive. Additionally, teachers should implement self-care, and incorporate care for their students into their daily routines. I have these hopes for the future, but I do understand that it will require work, and not everyone is prepared for or wants to do the work that it requires.