BLACK MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT

May 2, 2025

Save the Date

The Annual Black Mental Health Summit held in Winston-Salem, NC is aimed to better understand the social determinants of mental health and specific psychological issues facing the black community through panel discussions, mental health experts, equitable resources from organizations within the Piedmont/Triad area and more. The goal is to destigmatize mental illness, increase access to care, and to improve wellness among the black community.

Watch 2024 Black Mental Health Summit Recap

Black Mental Health Summit

Run it Back

56%

More than half of the nation’s Black and African American population lives in the South (56%)

39%

However, just 39% of Black and African Americans receive mental health services compared to non-Hispanic Whites (52%)

21%

Twenty-one percent of Black and African Americans report having a mental illness, compared to 23.9% of non-Hispanic Whites.

10%

Roughly 10% of Black and African Americans are not covered by health insurance compared with about 6% of non-Hispanic White Americans.

Important

Why This is

It’s time to shift focus to mental health in the Black community. Diminished access to mental health care, lack of diverse mental health professionals and cultural competency gaps are few ways systemic racism has affected the Black community. The Black Mental Health Summit is a gathering of regional practitioners, experts, and thought leaders who can prompt real change that benefits everyone in the Black community.

**Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Meet 2024 Speakers

Chief William Penn

Winston-Salem Chief of Police

Chief William H. Penn, Jr. is a 26-year veteran of the Winston-Salem Police Department. He is a proud Winston-Salem native, having grown up on the city's east side.

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Dr. Pamela Oliver, MD

EVP Novant Health & Chief Medical Officer

Pam Oliver, MD is an Executive Vice President and Chief Officer at Novant Health. Over the course of nearly two decades as a practicing OB-GYN and several leadership roles at Novant Health.

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Shenell Thompson

Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust

Senior Program Officer

Shenell McClurkin Thompson serves as senior program officer of Local Impact at Kate B Reynolds Charitable Trust. She has more than 15 years experience in the nonprofit sector working to address racial disparities and improve the economic mobility for residents in Forsyth County.

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Meet 2024 Panelists

Brandon Lowe,

MODERATOR

Owner and CEO of Knew era Consulting PLLC-Brandon Lowe, MS, LCMHC, LCAS CCSI, MAC, CSOTP will be the Moderator for the "Unapologetically Black" Panel.

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Victoria Fleury,

MODERATOR

Outpatient Therapist at the Alexander Youth Network-Victoria Fleury, MSW, LCWS will be a Moderator for the "Black Mental Health Is Wealth" Panel.

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Dr. Alison Harris Welcher ,EdLD

Dr. Alison Harris Welcher, the founder of THRIVE Life Coaching, is an esteemed expert in personal and professional development. Dedicated to empowering Black and Brown mothers to thrive

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Dr. Kamilah McKissick

Dr. McKissick has been a practicing clinical psychologist for over 18 years. Most recently, Dr. McKissick was named the Director of the Behavioral Health Department in Cabarrus County.

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Keisha Horton, MS, LCMHC, LCASA, NCC

Keisha is a Licensed Professional School Counselor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)
and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate (LCASA) with more than 15 years of experience working with adolescents and adults.

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Shawn Perkins, MSW, LCSWA

My daily goal as a therapist is to advocate for those like me who need support, guidance, and empathy to succeed in this thing called life. My focus has been working with individuals in the Black and brown communities.

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Brock Grace, MS, LCMHC

Brock Grace has worked in the mental health field since 2006. He has experience working with all ages, demographics, genders (including trans and non-binary), and ethnicities.

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Katina Little, MSN,CPNP-PC

With over two decades of experience in Pediatric Medicine, Katina has dedicated her career to making a difference in the lives of children and families.

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Tiffany Hall, MSW, LCSW

She has worked in many capacities throughout her 21 years in the mental health field. Tiffany is the owner of No Stigma, PLLC mental health agency and a member of the Salisbury VA Medical Center Suicide Prevention team.

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Carmen Haskins, LCSW

Carmen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Supervisor for those on the path for social work licensure. From a young age she knew she wanted to serve others.

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Jazmyn C. Holland, MS

Ms. Holland started her career working for over 10 plus years in community mental health before transitioning into education. Ms. Holland is now a School Counselor with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth School District.

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Tim Pittman, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS, NCC

Tim Pittman is a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Mr. Pittman has over 18 years' experience in psychiatric and mental health services and currently serving as WSSU counseling services' Assistant Director and Case Manager.

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LaMont Joe, MA, LCMHC, CA, LCAS, CCS,NCC

My Mental Health Counseling journey began working with Adolescents and Teenagers. Not only can I identify with some of their Experiences; I've picked up a few tools to help me along the way to be a little more creative as we work together in helping Them (Us) Heal.

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Dr.Keisha Rogers PHD, CRC,LCAS,LCMHC,QS,ACS

Dr.Rogers has published and presented research on disability related issues, co-occurring disorders, clinical supervision, multicultural issues in counseling and has facilitated trainings locally and internationally.

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Become a Sponsor

The Black Mental Health Summit goal is not only to provide participants with valuable information, but also to provide equitable resources from
organizations within the Piedmont/Triad area. If your interested in knowing more about 2025 Black Mental Health Summit Sponsorship levels, please fill out the form below.