IC2 Institute

Many thanks to Jacki Hecht, managing director of UT Austin's Center for Health Equity Research (HER) and Angela Bigham, health and wellness ministry leader at Rehoboth Baptist Church Austin Baptist Church, for discussing their highly successful AMEN program at our IC2 Institute monthly lab meeting this week.

AMEN — African American Mental Health and Wellness Program — delivers mental health training and education through Austin church pastors and lay leaders. Funded by Austin Public Health, AMEN is a collaborative effort spearheaded by University of Texas Austin School of Nursing. Learn more about AMEN here: http://ow.ly/ronp50Mwqvk

According to Hecht, 25% of people who seek help with mental health issues approach their pastors — not mental health professionals — first. By tapping into the rich tradition of African American churches supporting their members, AMEN is creating a sustainable community health infrastructure.

One of the biggest lessons learned so far: Mind/body/spirit/social health — it's all interconnected and needs an integrated approach. We're looking forward to future conversations with Jacki and Angela as we explore the pillars of a Well-being Economy and new ways to deliver healthcare.

Watch Wenhong Chen, P.h.D. and Joseph Staubhaar, P.h.D. discuss their research of how rural entrepreneurs operate in media wilderness regions of Texas https://ic2.utexas.edu/videos/14611/

Today’s blog: How the 5 Ds (Distance, Diversity, Dilution, Demand and Disengagement) affect community growth and resilience - https://ic2.utexas.edu/the-5-ds-for-finding-and-fixing-community-clogs/