National Mental Health Corps

11/22/2025

📣7th Annual ManCave Conference📣
Saturday, December 13, 2025
8:30 am – 4:00 pm

The ManCave Conference is a powerful event that unites community members, mental health professionals, and organizations dedicated to advancing access, awareness, and support for the mental well-being of African American men. While African American men are as likely as anyone else to have mental illness, they are less likely to get help. Depression and other mental illnesses can be deadly if left untreated. African American men are four times more likely to die by su***de than African American women are. Untreated mental illness can also make African American men more vulnerable to violence, substance abuse, homelessness, incarceration, and homicide. The conference equips attendees with practical tools and resources to build strong support systems and improve access to quality mental healthcare.

St. Matthew’s Unison Freewill Baptist Church
400 Dixwell Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511

Main Conference Speakers
Dr. Jay Barnett , an acclaimed author, dynamic speaker, and foremost mental health authority.
Dr. Chornes is a Doctor of Naturopathy in Original Medicine.
Lemuel Blackett, Author – Author In “Help, I'm Dealing with Trauma”.

Register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mancave-conference-2025-tickets-1781978679199

11/15/2025

"What we all are trying to do in some capacity is manage day to day...mental health is life in motion."
Dr. Jay Barnett is excited to join the National Mental Health Corps campaign during Mental Health Awareness Month. You can too – Visit our website to find out how you can help: https://www.nationalmentalhealthcorps.org/.

We want to thank Jay for taking a pause in his busy life to help out . Here’s a little about him:
Dr. Jay Barnett is a former professional football player turn author, speaker and now Marriage & Family Therapist Intern. With over 10 years of highly skilled and acclaimed mentoring and success stories, public speaking and most important, real-life in the trenches business experience, Jay Barnett's views are radically different. Jay appreciates and shares with his mentees that leadership is a moment-to-moment choice and not about titles and positions.

The author of the best-selling, “Finding Our Lost King and Queens: Strategies for Empowering Our Futures Kings and Queens.” “Letters to a Young Queen: Redefining Their Throne,” Barnett’s poignant letters to young Queens, have been shared with young girls around the world, creating conversations of healing, self-love, self-worth, confidence and personal victories. Also, “Hello King,” a book for young men guiding them to claim their throne, and his latest book, “Identity Crisis: A discussion around social media impact on personal identity.”

Jay has created a personal and social development program called K.I.N.G. Program for incoming freshman males at Texas Southern University.

11/13/2025

📣Host Site Spotlight - Corbin School of Innovation📣

NMHC would like to spotlight one of our long-standing partner host sites, Corbin Independent Schools, specifically the Corbin School of Innovation (SOI), have been partnering with National Mental Health Corps since 2015. Since then, Corbin Independent Schools has hosted 17 NMHC members, three of whom served multiple terms with the program and have gone on to work at the school after their service terms.

Over the years, NMHC members serving with the Corbin School of Innovation have been trained in both Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). In recent years, the focus has shifted to Youth MHFA, and members have been equipping school staff, young adults in the community, and community partners with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges among youth.

The Corbin School of Innovation has extensive experience with Mental Health First Aid, having worked with the program for over ten years. Members’ service supports new and expanded programming by reaching new populations, including community agencies and postsecondary partners, and providing mental health support to communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

The community served by Corbin SOI faces significant mental health needs, including rising teen su***de rates, challenges related to rural isolation, and a population of veterans requiring support. The district serves a geographically and socioeconomically diverse population, and its staff provide culturally competent and multilingual services, including English Learner resources, to ensure all youth and families have access to care.

Corbin SOI also collaborates with local partners, including Grace Community Health, Baptist Health (Trillium Center), Eastern Kentucky University, University of the Cumberlands, and various social agencies, to provide comprehensive mental health support throughout the region.

NMHC is grateful for our years of partnership with Corbin Independent Schools and the members who have served there.

11/10/2025

"National Council for Mental Wellbeing and Kaiser Permanente, in partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver , is recruiting for The National Mental Health Workforce Acceleration Collaborative (the “Accelerator”) program.

𝗔𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁–𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 $𝟭𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲–𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁!

Applications are open Nov 3-16!
Follow link to Apply: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/program/national-mental-health-workforce-acceleration-collaborative/join-the-accelerator/

This program aims to support clinicians who are early on in their journey to clinical licensure and offers additional resources including live and on-demand training and technical assistance from experts in the field, peer support groups, mentorship and other networking opportunities."

Learn more here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kscrimshawhall_accelerator-recruitment-flyer-activity-7389765393520848896-qr4X/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFlLexMBTlik4gwuuB2hFEr7wREaLkWNp5s

11/08/2025

🌍 Now Recruiting: Volunteer Board Members!

The National Mental Health Corps (NMHC) is seeking passionate, mission-driven leaders to join our volunteer Board of Directors and help shape the future of the behavioral health workforce.

As a Board Member, you’ll:
✅ Guide NMHC’s strategy, policy, and mission
✅ Support fundraising and awareness efforts
✅ Serve on committees (Finance, Development, Nominating, or Executive)
✅ Collaborate with leaders across the U.S. to strengthen community mental health
💻 3-year volunteer term | Bi-monthly Zoom meetings
✨ Benefits include expanding your network, gaining nonprofit board experience, and helping shape the future of mental health care.
Ready to make a difference?
👉 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/grpRizFw
📧 Or email your resume to wolf@nationalmentalhealthcorps.org

11/05/2025

National Mental Health Corps is proud to spotlight Michael Ross!

This is Michael’s 4th service term with National Mental Health Corps and the Corbin School of Innovation in Corbin, Kentucky! Michael’s national service journey began in 2021. Since then, he’s served consecutive service terms with NMHC and Corbin School of Innovation, building upon the service that he’s done and serving as a strong role model for other NMHC members who have served at the host site.

Michael is certified to teach Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) and has been implementing these classes throughout his past four service terms. Throughout Michael's service, he has trained just under 100 participants in YMHFA and has collaborated with notable organizations like Partners for Rural Development, Corbin Public Library, Linda Davis with Green Dot in Corbin, and many NMHC service members, past and present.

Michael was instrumental in the creation of the National Mental Health Corps Podcast, which he hosts! Michael shares, "With my years of facilitation training and my lived experience with the material, I feel like each of my classes has been impactful and has made a real difference in the lives of my attendees and the youth they work and live with.”

Looking ahead, Michael plans to transition to a full-time role at the Corbin School of Innovation and continue delivering YMHFA trainings to new NMHC service members in the area. Michael has also accepted a role as a Coach with the Odyssey of the Mind Team in Corbin Schools, discovering a career path they had not previously considered.

Thank you for your years of service, Michael! We are proud of all that you’ve accomplished during your time with NMHC and are excited to see what the future holds for you!

Corbin Independent Schools

11/03/2025

"From 57% to 54%: More Therapists Crossing the Finish Line, But Not Nearly Enough

More than half of future therapists still leave the field before licensure. Our new research shows a modest step forward from 57% to 54%—but the pipeline remains fragile. This white paper explores the barriers holding clinicians back and the strategies proving most effective in closing the gap." Read more: https://lnkd.in/e-Tf49d8

Motivo Health

10/31/2025

“Don't give up on yourself. People may not like you. It doesn't matter. You must like yourself. And if you like yourself, you're going to save your own life by looking after yourself.”

As Iris Davis says, “And by all means, reach out to the National Mental Health Corps. They will help you. There is probably more than likely someone in your community right now who knows about thoughts of su***de and severe depression.” Please visit our website to discover what we’re doing to bring about an America where mental wellbeing is possible for all: https://www.nationalmentalhealthcorps.org/.

We want to thank Iris Davis for keeping us near and dear to her heart and supporting . Here's a little about Iris:
Iris Davis's story is truly inspiring. She turned to bodybuilding at 22 to cope with the devastating losses of her child and husband. Now, as a US resident, she's achieved incredible success, earning 17 first-place titles in NPC shows and winning her pro card at the IFBB Masters in Pittsburgh at age 79.
She holds the record for the oldest female bodybuilder in the world, as confirmed by the International Federation of Bodybuilding. Her impressive feats include performing 21 pull-ups on live TV at age 74.

Iris has also received recognition for her pioneering work, including the Pioneer Award from the Women's World Leadership Congress in Mumbai in 2020 at age 76. With 30 years as a personal trainer and 60 years in bodybuilding, Iris Davis is a shining example of dedication, resilience, and passion.

10/29/2025

📣NMHC shines the spotlight on one of our newer NAMI affiliate partner host sites, NAMI Wood County !

NAMI Wood County is a vital nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of individuals living with mental illness, their families, and the broader Wood County community. Their mission focuses on education, support, and advocacy, addressing unmet mental health needs in the community through evidence-based, peer-facilitated programs. These programs help individuals recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness, develop communication skills and empathy, create recovery wellness plans, advocate for themselves or loved ones, and navigate complex mental health systems.

Currently, NAMI Wood County provides Adult Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) trainings to the community, with local funding helping to make these resources accessible to everyone. Participation continues to grow, reflecting the increasing need for mental health education and support in the region.

Through the AmeriCorps partnership, a dedicated member serves in multiple capacities to expand the organization’s reach and impact. The member supports Media Management, ensuring NAMI Wood County’s social media platforms are active and engaging, increasing awareness of mental health resources and programs. In Community Outreach, the member represents the organization at events, assists with memberships and sponsorships, and promotes programs to reach more individuals in need. Through Office Coordination, they provide administrative support for program registration, volunteer coordination, and navigation of crisis and mental health services.

A key focus for the NMHC member serving with NAMI Wood County is youth outreach, particularly at the local university, where students are experiencing significant mental health challenges in the wake of COVID-19. By helping coordinate and promote programs like Youth Mental Health First Aid, the member ensures students receive the education and support they need. They also assist with ongoing support groups and educational presentations, helping the organization reach a wider audience and manage program logistics efficiently.

Serving with NAMI Wood County has allowed the NMHC member serving at this site the opportunity to participate in specialized mental health trainings, including NAMI Provider, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), and NAMI Ending the Silence, equipping them to provide high-quality presentations and support to individuals, families, and the community at large.

We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with NAMI Wood County and for the dedication of their AmeriCorps member. Their hard work in implementing programs, engaging the community, and supporting individuals and families navigating mental health challenges makes a real difference every day, helping NAMI Wood County continue its mission to educate, support, and advocate for those who need it most.

10/27/2025

Grateful to for uplifting the National Mental Health Corps! 💙

We’re honored to be recognized by advocates who inspire new voices in mental health leadership.

Learn more about NMHC’s mission and how we’re building a strong mental health workforce at: https://nationalmentalhealthcorps.org

10/24/2025

🌟Aisha Ayloush - Charles R Drew University - Member Spotlight🌟

NMHC is proud to spotlight Aisha Ayloush, a dedicated AmeriCorps member serving at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science!

Aisha began her part-time service term with NMHC in April 2025. Aisha has become a certified QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) instructor.
So far, Aisha has been preparing to teach this life-saving su***de prevention training to medical students on campus, with her first training coming up. She has been honing her facilitation skills and learning how to engage diverse audiences, ensuring that mental health education is both accessible and impactful.

Aisha is most proud of being entrusted with educating future healthcare providers on the importance of recognizing and supporting individuals in crisis. She finds this work deeply meaningful, knowing that her efforts can make a real difference in people’s lives. The most fulfilling part of her service has been preparing to share mental health knowledge and witnessing the power education has to reduce stigma and save lives.

Looking ahead, Aisha plans to continue teaching and expanding mental health education programs for refugees and other vulnerable communities. Her service experience with NMHC has strengthened her commitment to pursuing a career in global mental health and community advocacy.

Reflecting on her time with NMHC, Aisha shares: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and grow through NMHC. It’s inspiring to be part of a program that prioritizes community well-being and empowers individuals to make a difference through mental health awareness and education.”

📣Thank you for your service, Aisha! We look forward to seeing the impact you make on campus!

10/22/2025

With proven models and a growing national network, National Mental Health Corps stands ready to partner with schools, nonprofits, and agencies to tackle the student mental health crisis head-on—building workforce capacity and sustainable systems of care.

“I feel like since COVID, we've kind of been in a mental health crisis,” said Michelle Boss, executive director of the Connecticut School Counselor Association “We know that this is a very real problem for kids. … Students in Connecticut are struggling.”

"Hundreds of Connecticut educators have seen students face increased stress, anxiety and depression, reduced concentration, increased aggression, and more distraction over the past few years, according to a recent survey by Connecticut Education Association (CEA).

“Schools are a natural place to address behavioral health needs for students,” said Jeana Bracey, associate vice president of school and community initiatives at the Child Health and Development Institute - CHDI, a nonprofit."

📰 Quotes from Natasha Sokoloff’s reporting for CT Insider (Hearst Connecticut Media Group).
Read more at: https://www.ctinsider.com/news/education/article/ct-schools-mental-behavioral-health-funds-needs-21098612.phpRead more at: https://www.ctinsider.com/news/education/article/ct-schools-mental-behavioral-health-funds-needs-21098612.php?

Many Connecticut school districts used pandemic relief funds to provide mental health supports.