January 2024
Mental Health Advocacy Partners (MAP) is delighted to reach out to you to express our sincere gratitude for your generous support. Together, we will raise awareness of mental health and substance abuse challenges, cultivate empathy towards those impacted, and equip individuals with the knowledge of how to respond.
We are excited to introduce our first monthly newsletter, designed to keep you informed about the progress we are making, the initiatives we are undertaking, and the impact your contributions are having in our community. Stay engaged with us by following MAP’s social media channels, sharing our updates with your network, and we hope you will join in by actively participating in upcoming engagement opportunities.
Your continued support is crucial in sustaining our mission to create communities where mental health is prioritized and destigmatized.
Sincerely,
Your Mental Health Advocacy Partners
Celia Brannon, Program Director & Co.Founder
Celia has 15 years of experience working in psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment facilities. She has taught Mental Health First Aid since 2018. This cumulative experience has led her to focus almost entirely on the incredible power of early intervention and reducing stigma. Celia co founded Mental Health Advocacy Partners due to a deep desire to empower individuals to know when and how to have appropriate conversations about mental health challenges. Celia is dedicated to being a resource for anyone who needs help navigating the challenges of seeking treatment.
Raquel Portillo, Development Director & Co.Founder
Navigating alongside the journey of a loved one, who experienced a mental health challenge, lead Raquel to adapt her non-profit experience to become impactful in the mental health community. Raquel joined NAMI Tarrant County as Walk Manager in June of 2022. She currently works remote for NAMI Texas to ensure the future of NAMI Texas programs, advocacy at the state level, and much-needed support to fellow NAMI affiliates located in Texas. As Co. Founder of Mental Health Advocacy Partners, she hopes to make an impact locally and break down cultural barriers in BIPOC communities that can hinder individuals from seeking help.
Greater Together
Are you passionate about mental health?
Mental Health Advocacy Partners is currenting seeking additional board members who share in the mission to cultivate a supportive mental health culture in Fort Worth and surrounding areas.
Please email for more details.
Place Mental Health in the limelight.
Limelight is defined as; focus of public attention. When you support Mental Health Advocacy Partners, you are helping to shed light to raise awareness and place a much needed focus on the challenges of mental health and substance abuse. Please, consider a monthly investment towards cultivating a mental health supportive culture in Fort Worth and surrounding communities.
Community Connections
Celia Brannon presenting to the Fort Worth Development Council during their January 2024 council meeting held at the McDonald YMCA.
Learn More.
Continuing our commitment to mental health advocacy, Mental Health Advocacy Partners had the the privilege of presenting "Accessing Mental Health Treatment in Fort Worth: An overview of gaps & challenges" to the Fort Worth Development Council. MAP is grateful for the opportunity to shed light on the specific zip codes where increased mental health resources and education are urgently needed. The council demonstrated sincere concern and interest. MAP is optimistic that they will incorporate this valuable information into their forthcoming initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall well-being of Fort Worth residents.
Dr. Bianca Busch, M.D., The College Psychiatrist, presenting on “The Transition from High School to College hosted at Fusion Academy located in Southlake.
Learn More.
In addition, Mental Health Advocacy Partners participated in a presentation by Dr. Bianca Busch, M.D., The College Psychiatrist, on the transition from high school to college. This enlightening session, hosted by Fusion Academy in Southlake, provided MAP with valuable takeaways and resources. View the “Resources” section of this newsletter to learn about these great resources.
Rachel Redmond, Community Liaison for Meridell Achievement Center, sharing insightful information on the comprehensive client care provided to adolescents at this residential treatment facility.
Learn More.
Mental Health Advocacy Partners recently learned of the exceptional services offered by Meridell Achievement Center, specializing in the care of adolescents (ages 10-17) with diagnoses such as; bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and high-end autism spectrum disorders. Their positive behavior-focused program has proven effective. It was heartwarming learn that Meridell Achievement Centers allows families to bring their beloved pet along for visits and have a dedicated dog park on-site. Watch the video by Meridell Achievement Centers by in the “Resource”section.
Resources
Coming soon :
The MAP Resource Guide
*Disclaimer: Mental Health Advocacy Partners (MAP) is dedicated to sharing resources and tools encountered during interactions with local mental health providers, substance treatment providers, and community organizations. MAP does not endorse any specific entity nor necessarily align with the views expressed therein. The resources and tools listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only and should be utilized at the discretion of each individual. Users are encouraged to exercise their own judgment and seek professional advice as needed.
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2024 Mental Health Advocacy Partners