Description: This podcast episode, "Roots of Stigma: Cultural Barriers in Mental Health," will delve into the intricate cultural barriers that contribute to mental health stigma. Exploring how cultural beliefs, societal norms, and historical contexts shape perceptions and attitudes towards mental health within diverse communities. Our expert guests will share their insights and experiences, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals struggling with mental health issues and the innovative strategies being implemented to break down these barriers.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the cultural influences on mental health perceptions.

2. Identify at least three (3) barriers to accessing mental health care.

3. Explore strategies that improve mental health support for diverse populations.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Ashley Elliott

Ashley Elliott, Psy.D. (also affectionately known as Dr. Vivid) is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology located in Washington, DC. She has a passion for serving those who identify as a Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Dr. Elliott works as a clinician in private practice, a writer, plant medicine educator and mental health/DEI consultant to create more culturally inclusive spaces. In effort to create more inclusive media spaces, Dr. Elliott collaborates with gamers, developers, social media users/influencers, and individuals in Web3 and the Metaverse to make sure platforms promote diversity and mental health awareness.

Co-Host: Leisha McKinley-Beach

Leisha McKinley-Beach author, thought leader, inspirational strategist, trainer, and community organizer. Mrs. McKinley-Beach is the founder and CEO of The Black Public Health Academy. Leisha also serves as a consultant who provides training on Black health issues including HIV, medical mistrust, racism in public health, cultural humility, and community engagement. She has been fortunate to participate in nationally recognized projects such as PrEP in Black America, Gilead Sciences Champions of Change: A Celebration of Black Women Changemakers in HIV, Viiv Risk to Reasons-national movement to retire the word "risk" associated with sexual health for women, the Florida Department of Health Sistas Organizing to Survive (SOS), a first-ever statewide campaign to address HIV among Black women, and initiatives to engage faith-based communities in the HIV response across the South. McKinley-Beach received her bachelor's degree(Community health) from the University of Florida and her master's degree in health science (Psycho-social health) from the University of West Florida. Leisha is a 2023 inductee into the University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance Hall of Fame.

This episode delves into the profound impact that trauma has on health outcomes across diverse populations. Participants will explore the connection between trauma and health disparities, learning to identify common indicators of trauma and understanding how these indicators contribute to unequal health outcomes. The session will also equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to address and mitigate the effects of trauma in their communities and professional practices.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain trauma's impact on health outcomes in diverse populations.

2. Identify common indicators of trauma and how they contribute to health disparities.

3. Explore the connection between trauma and inequitable health outcomes.

Co-Host: Leisha McKinley-Beach

Leisha McKinley-Beach author, thought leader, inspirational strategist, trainer, and community organizer. Mrs. McKinley-Beach is the founder and CEO of The Black Public Health Academy. Leisha also serves as a consultant who provides training on Black health issues including HIV, medical mistrust, racism in public health, cultural humility, and community engagement. She has been fortunate to participate in nationally recognized projects such as PrEP in Black America, Gilead Sciences Champions of Change: A Celebration of Black Women Changemakers in HIV, Viiv Risk to Reasons-national movement to retire the word "risk" associated with sexual health for women, the Florida Department of Health Sistas Organizing to Survive (SOS), a first-ever statewide campaign to address HIV among Black women, and initiatives to engage faith-based communities in the HIV response across the South. McKinley-Beach received her bachelor's degree(Community health) from the University of Florida and her master's degree in health science (Psycho-social health) from the University of West Florida. Leisha is a 2023 inductee into the University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance Hall of Fame.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Ashley Elliott

Ashley Elliott, Psy.D. (also affectionately known as Dr. Vivid) is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology located in Washington, DC. She has a passion for serving those who identify as a Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Dr. Elliott works as a clinician in private practice, a writer, plant medicine educator and mental health/DEI consultant to create more culturally inclusive spaces. In effort to create more inclusive media spaces, Dr. Elliott collaborates with gamers, developers, social media users/influencers, and individuals in Web3 and the Metaverse to make sure platforms promote diversity and mental health awareness.