By Kimberly Moore Director, Care Café There’s no health without mental health! In partnership with the Williams Institutional CME Church and St. Luke AME Church in Harlem on May 24, 2022, ’s Care Café joined to bring awareness to May’s important theme: Mental Health Awareness Month. Serving more than 277 community members, providers from across the city gathered to offer consultation and informational materials to the public. Participating community service providers included, but were not limited to, the New York City Health and Hospitals Test and Trace Corp, Mount Sinai Mobile Prostate and Mobile Mammogram Units, Healthfirst, Hunger Free America and Long Live Our Butterfly (A Domestic Violence organization). Also available were COVID-19 tests and vaccines, HIV Testing, blood pressure and A1C screenings by community health workers, and voter/poll worker registration services.     The Care Café Team provided individual psychoeducation to visitors about signs and symptoms of mental illness, resources for treatment (upon request), direct assistance with consultation for identified social service needs, and reference materials for youth and Military Service persons around mental health. Participants were further enlightened with quick reference palm cards regarding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and suicide awareness and prevention information. Swag bags were given to everyone that included tools and tips for promoting improved emotional health and stress management.     It is important to note that faith organizations are an instrumental conduit between the community and health care systems. Statistics provided by the event’s coordinator, Sister Myra of Williams, indicated that eight mammograms were completed by the Mt. Sinai Mobile Health Unit Van and eight prostate health exams were conducted on the Mt. Sinai Prostate Mobile Health Unit Van. Considering the event’s duration, these results are excellent, as many of those who elected to engage in the onsite health screening communicated that they had not been connected to regular medical or preventive care. These first steps of trust, consistency and proactive provision of services—directly where people are—is a critical element of community engagement and improved population health.  

Hunger Free America and Allysha B., Care Café intern

  After each event, Care Café team members debrief to discuss the issues of the day. At the end of the Harlem Day of Action, our observations found that people have a story that they want to share, and it is incumbent upon us to create spaces for collective learning and strength, whenever and wherever we can. With a spirited voice of deep enthusiasm, Sister Myra, Williams’ Lay Leader indicated, “PHYSICAL WELL-BEING + EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING = A COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH PLAN!” It is truly an honor and joy to continue to partner with Williams to serve New York City. There’s nothing better than a sunny day and a happy community! Special Thanks to Allysha B., Care Café Intern, and Jenna W., Volunteer, for their time, commitment and professionalism in service. For additional resources and support, feel free to reach out to the Care Café team at carecafe@yu.edu or 646.592.6827. Be Well!