By Chandra Redfern, MS

The Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships of the Department of Health and Human Services reports that over 40% of teenagers have persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, more than 50% of parents and caregivers worry about their children’s mental well-being, and 40% of adults experience anxiety or depression. To compound the problem, members of our Black and Brown communities remain disproportionately undertreated. Additional key findings, according to Mental Health America, 93.5% of individuals experiencing a substance use disorder in the past year did not receive treatment. In the U.S. there is roughly one mental health provider for every 350 individuals needing services. When it comes to mental health, Americans have reached a breaking point, according to the White House.

Many factors contribute to mental health and healing. Experts confirm the importance of relationships, noting that people more socially connected to family, friends, and their communities are happier, physically healthier, and live longer with fewer mental health problems. I have also witnessed first-hand the vital role of the faith-based community, and that its leaders and members are often the first point of contact for individuals and families experiencing mental illness or traumatic events.

Over the past year, the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) has responded to the needs of our community through many initiatives that help individuals and families realize that they are not alone. We emphasize the importance of sharing their pain and seeking out trusted connections, whether a friend, family member, health provider, or member of their faith-based community. We emphasize the importance of self-care, a positive mindset, and maintaining the belief of hope and survival. Some of the steps we have taken to reinforce all of this include:

  • Healing sessions for youth and seniors living in the Fruit-Belt.
  • Overseeing a grant to engage and refer East Buffalo residents to needed resources.
  • Overseeing a grant to engage, educate, and increase the knowledge of faith leaders and community members on topics and resources related to mental wellness.
  • Creation of a BFNC Living 30-minute bimonthly podcast to help people navigate quality of life issues, airing on WUFO 96.5, and available on Spotify, Anchor, Apple, and Google.
  • A Women’s History Month brunch conversation to help women establish supportive networks and practice self-care.
  • Educational symposia about trauma and mental health in communities of color.
  • Spring Fest Niagara on May 6, 2023, from 1 to 5 pm at Doris Jones Family Resource Building and Lawn, at 3001 9th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 (https://tinyurl.com/54mjytdd).

Learn more about BNFC services, events, and more at www.bfnc.org, or call 716-856-0363.

Chandra Redfern, MS is Chief Executive Officer of BFNC. She is a frequent presenter on various mental health wellness programs. Watch her on Your Hometown Health Connection on May 17 and 20 as she reflects on the progress we have made over the past year regarding health, mental health, DEI, and the general needs of our community.