On May 18, in recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, members of CAHS’ Prevention Department facilitated a meaningful community discussion about mental health, faith, and healing at the Grosse Tete branch of the Iberville Parish Library.
Dr. LaCrystal Wilson-Johnson, LPC‑S, who serves as Director of the Iberville Parish Department of Behavioral Health, invited CAHS Prevention Coordinators Alicia Richbourg, PSIT, and Ricki Davis Robinson, PSIT, to lead the open conversation that centered on support, awareness, and reducing stigma associated with mental illness.
The CAHS pair also presented information about the dangers of opioids, how to prevent opioid misuse, and where to get help for addiction to opioids.
Participants explored the personal and collective impact of mental health stigma, reflecting about how mental wellness can be challenging within faith‑based communities.
Through the dialogue, attendees identified barriers to seeking help and discussed ways that churches and community organizations can strengthen their roles as sources of support, healing, and understanding.