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.
Community Coalition for Health: Inform, Empower, Inspire
October 12, 2022 Podcast:
Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Mia Greer and Dr. Charles A. Moody Jr. Ms. Greer is co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Community Coalition for Health (C2H) and the Chief of Staff at the ROCK ATX. Dr. Moody serves as the Pastor for ROCK ATX, is co-founder of C2H, and founded the Alpha Prep School and Moody Housing organizations that change lives by promoting health, primary education, and community housing.
Faith leaders and faith-based organizations can play an important role in promoting health, including mental health, throughout the community by filling in the gaps to ensure that congregations are getting their health needs met. Dr. Charles A. Moody Jr. notes that faith leaders and organizations have stepped in when governmental programs have fallen short and play a significant role in helping community members with housing, education, and health. Community Coalition for Health (C2H) is an organization that has “woven itself into the fabric of the community” by linking healthcare providers with the community. Ms. Greer notes that C2H has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the community and is seen as the “connecting piece of trust” between the community and healthcare organizations.
Dr. Moody highlights the challenges in working with the black community to improve well-being in Austin/Travis County and Central Texas since many people of color and individuals with low socioeconomic status are being pushed out of the area to surrounding communities. Individuals who are forced to relocate due to gentrification and other financial constraints are often most in need of health services, and yet these services are sparse in the communities where they now live. Assessing the community’s needs and talking to individuals who are leaving the area can offer important insights to address the migration and improve health within these growing communities.
To learn more about C2H and the work being done by Dr. Charles A. Moody. Jr .and Mia Greer visit the Community Coalition for Health or call 512-344-LIVE.
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