African American Mental Health and Wellness (AMEN) team is collaborating with KAZI FM 88.7 in producing a radio series to highlight the importance of addressing mental health and physical wellness in the African American community. The monthly series will feature AMEN team members from the School of Nursing, leaders from Mt. Zion Baptist and Rehoboth Baptist churches, and community organizations who provide mental health resources and support in Travis County.
The Black Men’s Health Clinic: A Place to Get Care You Can Trust
November 9, 2022 Podcast:
Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Larry Wallace, Sr. and Tara Trower. Larry Wallace Sr. is the Founder and Executive Director for the Black Men’s Health Clinic. Mr. Wallace is an accomplished Health Care Executive with over 35 years’ experience in developing strategies to improve access to healthcare to underserved populations. Tara Trower is the Chief Strategy Officer at CommUnityCare, who is helping to build strong relationships with community partners, with the mission of increasing health equity within the medically underserved communities of Austin and surrounding counties. CommUnityCare has partnered with the Black Men’s Health Clinic to provide direct primary care services.
Black men are often reluctant to seek healthcare services due to cost, reliability, quality, and medical mistrust. In addition, African American males have historically experienced an added burden of stress and trauma that can have a significant impact on mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
The Black Men’s Health Clinic strives to address this healthcare gap for Black men by offering mental, physical, and social health services. Several organizations including CommUnityCare, UT Austin School of Nursing, TXCROSS, Contigo Wellness, American Heart Association, Sickle Cell Association, Ascension Seton, and Integral Care have partnered with the Black Men’s Health Clinic to improve health outcomes in a more comprehensive way for Black and African American men throughout the Austin area.
Ms. Trower shares that CommUnityCare is a community health system that offers primary care, dental care, behavioral health, specialty care, and pediatric care for those who are uninsured or underinsured. CommUnityCare decided to partner with the BMHC to deliver care in a way where Black men can “feel more comfortable” and have their health needs met. Overall, men who have been receiving services from the BMHC have had positive experiences with this new community resource.
The Clinic for African American Men is different from the current healthcare system because it aspires to create a space of “healing, hope, and restoration for men of color.” The Black Men’s Health Clinic plans to expand and provide additional services in the future. To learn more about these services, please visit the Black Men’s Health Clinic or call 737-210-8446.
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