Launch of the Black Men’s Health Clinic

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. 

Launch of the Black Men’s Health Clinic’s

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Larry Wallace, Sr., an accomplished Health Care Executive with over 35 years’ experience in developing strategies to improve healthcare access for underserved populations and Tyra Clark, the Chief Financial Officer at Texas Christian Recovery and Other Support Services (TXCROSS).

After receiving input from the community, a decision was made to change the name of the clinic from the African American Men’s Health Clinic to the Black Men’s Health Clinic (BMHC) to be more inclusive. The clinic is now open to the public for services. The BMHC focuses on the mind, body, social services and spiritual needs of all men, regardless of race or ethnicity. Services for the BMHC include mental health, health screenings, education, information, advocacy, wellness, primary care, and referral to other services.

Tyra Clark explains that TXCROSS (Texas Christian Recovery and Other Support Services) is part of a continuum of care for when “life has been derailed” and provides individuals with tools and services to support their mental health and overall well-being. The services that TXCROSS offers include counseling, education, mental/behavioral health, service training, parenting, addiction recovery coaching, anger management, life skills and job skills assessment. Ms. Clark adds that these services are typically 10-week programs and are assessed from a “culturally specific lens” to tailor to the individual’s needs.

Tyra shares that TXCROSS became part of the BMHC mission when they realized that these services were necessary to repair the trust from Black men. Larry and Tyra acknowledge the significant hardships that Black men face today and strive to provide services and support to men of color to prevent them from reaching physical or psychological “rock bottom.” The clinic aims to assist the Black community in overcoming mental health barriers for men and destigmatizing mental healthcare in the Austin area.

To learn more about the Black Men’s Health Clinic and TXCROSS services, please visit TXCROSS website, TXCROSS Services at the BMHC (services are by appointment only), and Black Men’s Health Clinic.

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