Data from the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office shows that suicide deaths among Kentucky’s minorities exceed the national average. To prioritize mental health, a new initiative in Louisville is offering free therapy to men of color who may be in distress. around Louisville are a literal call to action, encouraging men of color to use the phone number on the billboards to get any mental health help they may need. want people to know there’s nothing wrong with talking to someone, you’re not crazy, it just means you have a lot to do,” said Nannette Dix, Louisville Metro Resilience and Community Services. From generational trauma to poverty and recently the pandemic, racial tensions and the city’s record homicides, Dix says there’s a lot to heal. And this effort is a direct response to startling suicide rates. Black males under the age of 25 account for 28% of total suicides in Jefferson County. “I remember one client I had, in particular, he talked about coming over because he knew his sons really needed it, but they were reluctant to go, so he took the first step. to show them it was okay to go,” said Lauren Muir, co-founder of Martin and Muir Counseling. Muir’s practice, Martin and Muir Counseling, offers free therapy sessions in person and virtually. She says that a new client’s first realization comes with an open mind and heart. Muir also suggests asking questions to establish a genuine connection with your advisor,” Muir said. “Research shows that one of the most important things about a client and a therapist is the relationship they have.” The initiative aims to break the stigma of mental illness, ease barriers to treatment and reassure men of color that there is a helping hand on the road to recovery. “We’re looking at art, innovative ways, local ways to be able to reach people to feel safe in their own neighborhood, themselves, their own skin,” Dix said. The number to call is 1-502-901-0100 if you are looking for assistance. There are 100 slots available for free sessions.
Data from the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office shows that suicide deaths among Kentucky’s minorities exceed the national average.
To prioritize mental health, a new initiative in Louisville is offering free therapy to men of color who may be in distress.
Advertisements at bus stops and on billboards around Louisville are a literal call to action, encouraging men of color to use the phone number on the billboards to get the help they need. need for their mental health.
Historically, seeking professional assistance is not a step taken by men of color.
“I just want people to know there’s nothing wrong with talking to someone, you’re not crazy, it just means you have a lot to do,” said Nannette Dix, Louisville Metro Resilience and Community Services.
From generational trauma to poverty and recently to the pandemic, racial tensions and the city’s record homicides, Dix says there’s a lot to heal. And this effort is a direct response to startling suicide rates.
Black males under the age of 25 account for 28% of total suicides in Jefferson County.
“I remember one client I had, in particular, he talked about coming over because he knew his sons really needed it, but they were reluctant to go so he took the first step. to show them it was okay to go,” said Lauren Muir, co-founder of Martin and Muir Counseling.
Muir’s practice, Martin and Muir Counseling, offers free in-person and virtual therapy sessions. She says the first accomplishment of a new client is to show up with an open mind and heart.
Muir also suggests asking questions to establish a genuine connection with your advisor.
“It’s important for the client to use this time to get to know the therapist,” Muir said. “Research shows that one of the most important things about a client and a therapist is the relationship they have with each other.”
The initiative aims to break the stigma of mental illness, ease barriers to treatment and reassure men of color that there is a helping hand on the road to recovery.
“We’re looking at art, innovative ways, local ways to be able to reach people to feel safe in their own neighborhood, themselves, their own skin,” Dix said.
The number to call is 1-502-901-0100 if you are looking for assistance. There are 100 slots available for free sessions.
