News

The Brain Trust

February 14, 2020

In 2011, a small group of mental health advocates got together to discuss ways to create a community culture of support and acceptance about the topic of mental health and emotional well-being. The group came to be known as the Brain Trust.

Out of those initial conversations came a movement to increase knowledge and understanding about myths and facts that surround mental illness. Today, educational programs such as Mental Health First Aid, programs from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) like Family to Family, In Our Own Voice and others are now available for individuals and families. Organizational leaders also collaboratively discuss system gaps and peer support options are growing.

With more than 100 individuals strong on its listserv, the Brain Trust meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 4:30 pm in room 384 at the UTEP College of Health Sciences and School of Nursing building on the UTEP campus. These meetings are open to anyone who wants to learn more about mental health and building a culture of support and acceptance. Some of the most crucial factors in recovering from a mental illness are understanding, acceptance of friends and relatives, and preventing social isolation.

The topics discussed at each Brain Trust meeting help participants connect to educational programs and coordinate health promotion efforts. Take time to arm yourself with the facts, join us on March 10th at 4:30 pm or any other second Tuesday of the month!

The March 10th discussion topic: What is the El Paso United Family Resiliency Center (FRC) and how it is helping provide healing and support resources to those directly & indirectly impacted by the tragedy of August 3, 2019.

For more information, contact Enrique Mata at 915-218-2617 or emata@pdnfoundation.org.