Photo ID (l-r): Shelby Mayfield, Louisiana State Police; Veronica Elphage of CAHS; Camala Ward; Rosalyn Davis of CAHS; LaKeida Robertson (First Lady) and Rodney Robertson (Senior Pastor) of New Life Christian Center Ministry; Alicia Richbourg of CAHS; and James Grayer of New Life Christian Center.
CAHS Prevention Coordinator Alicia Richbourg, PSIT, and Social Service Counselor Rosalyn Davis, PLPC, CCGC, CAC, participated as panelists on March 7 at New Life Christian Center Ministry & Safety Training Event, held March 7 at the church on Greenwell Springs Rd. in Baton Rouge.
Richbourg and Davis provided education and resources about mental health awareness, substance use prevention, and community support for individuals and families in need.
During the training, Alicia Richbourg highlighted the important role that faith leaders and ministry teams play in supporting individuals who are experiencing substance use concerns or personal crises.
“Faith leaders are often among the first individuals that community members turn to for guidance and support, making their role in recognizing warning signs and responding with compassion incredibly valuable,” said Richbourg.
Participants were also introduced to the Capital Area Human Services Faith-Based Toolkit, a resource designed specifically for pastors and ministry leaders. The toolkit provides practical tools to help churches begin meaningful conversations about mental health, substance use prevention, and recovery, while also offering guidance about how to connect individuals with appropriate support services.
Davis also provided insights about mental health challenges within the Faith-Based community, and discussed the services available through Capital Area Human Services. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between faith communities and behavioral health providers to ensure individuals and families receive the support and care they need.
Through events like this, Capital Area Human Services continues to strengthen partnerships with faith-based organizations, helping equip leaders with the knowledge and resources necessary to support healthier and stronger communities.