Omega Psi Phi to host second annual 'Brother You’re On My Mind' event
Ian Scruggs is the Public Relations Officer of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc at Central Michigan University. He is a junior from Hope, Michigan.
The Omicron Beta Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. is hosting its second annual "Brother You’re On My Mind" event.
"Brother You’re On My Mind" is an initiative from the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD). The event’s purpose is to start conversations about mental health among African-American men and to encourage individuals to seek help for mental health problems.
The event takes place 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 in Moore Hall room 105. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
"Brother You’re On My Mind" will feature a presentation on mental health issues among black males as well as six performers including of poets, singers and personal testimonies.
Detroit senior Miles Newton, president of the Omicron Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, said this event gives students the chance to openly talk about any mental health issues that they’re facing.
“It is a very influential event giving students on our campus a safe space to express their thoughts, concerns and even experiences regarding mental health" Newton said. "There has been a stigma placed on this concern within the community and we want to ensure that students are aware of the resources, on and off campus, that they can take advantage of to combat the issues they may be dealing with.”
Some of the main points that will be covered during the event’s presentation include:
● What is Mental Health?
● Why are African-American men less likely to seek help?
● What are some resources and strategies to help combat mental health issues?
According to NIMHD, more than 40 million Americans struggle with mental health issues each year. Black men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, and suicide is the third-leading cause of death among African-American men ages 15-24. Untreated mental illness can also make African-American men more vulnerable to substance abuse, homelessness, incarceration and homicide.
For more information regarding "Brother You’re On My Mind," contact Ian Scruggs by calling (517) 898-1096 or emailing scrug1il@cmich.edu.
