The Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria, in partnership with Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, hosted a community stakeholders breakfast with the theme “Building Partnerships to Address Mental Health in the Workforce” June 29 at the church hall.

Dr. GiShawn Mance, Associate Professor of Psychology at Howard University and a licensed clinical psychologist, and Rawle Andrews Esq., executive director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, were special guests at the event.

CCNA executive director Col. James Paige (ret.) served as coordinator and host of the workshop, which focused on the importance of mental health awareness.

“Workshops like this gives us an opportunity to look more closely at this very, very tough issue in the city,” Paige said.

Dr. GiShawn Mance, left, and Rawle Andrew prepare for the CCNA Mental Health Workshop June 29 at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church.

 

Mance is considered an expert on race and mental health and has published articles aimed at addressing and reducing mental health disparities. She currently partners with charter schools and community agencies in the DC area to examine chronic stress, trauma, coping, social support systems, and psychological symptoms amongst Black youth and emerging adults.

“Workshops like this give us an opportunity to look more closely at this very, very tough issue in the city.”

— CCNA executive director James Paige

She was joined by Andrews, who currently serves as the president of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia. He also is a board member of the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust; an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and the Howard University School of Law; and the national chairman of the public policy committee of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

The CCNA Community Forum brings together stakeholders to enhance partnerships within the community. These forums allow key partners to discuss critical issues and develop strategies to help inform, inspire and empower. They increase dialogue and collaboration in the community. For more information, visit www.ccnalexandria.org