Impact Story: McClaren Institute Mental Health Initiative
The Urban League of the Upstate launched the McClaren Institute of Health and Quality of Life Mental Health Initiative this year under the dedicated leadership of Dr. Asa Briggs, DNP, PMHNP-BC. As one of the inaugural programs under the Institute’s umbrella, this initiative is already making strides in building mental health awareness, connecting individuals with resources, and destigmatizing mental health conversations in Black and underserved communities across the Upstate.
January: Building Awareness and Partnerships
The year began with impactful conversations led by Dr. Briggs at the Kroc Center of Greenville. Speaking on the need for collaboration among clinicians, community leaders, and patients, he emphasized that overcoming the mental health crisis requires a collective effort.
Additionally, Dr. Briggs was featured on WYFF News 4, discussing the intersection of economic and mental health challenges in the Black community and ULUS’s mission to address the gap in mental health resources.
His dedication to mental health advocacy was further recognized as he was elected to the board of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), positioning him to contribute even more significantly to mental health efforts across the region.
February: Expanding Outreach
Dr. Briggs continued his outreach with a talk at Long Branch Baptist Church. He also participated in several panels, including a discussion with 100 Black Men of the Upstate and a talk at Viking Early College on mental health and bullying. Dr. Briggs also represented ULUS at Ten at the Top, a regional organization that fosters collaboration across the Upstate. There, he advocated for expanding these health initiatives further into Anderson County.
March: Empowering the Community
Community engagement remained a top priority as Dr. Briggs joined the Long Branch Baptist Church Health Fair, where he connected with community members, provided information on mental health access, and highlighted the importance of identifying early warning signs of mental illness. Throughout March, he also worked on planning a city-wide health summit, which aims to bring together mental health experts, advocates, and residents to discuss strategies for building a healthier, more resilient community.
April and May: Celebrating Mental Health Awareness
In April, Dr. Briggs spoke on mental health at Mountain View Baptist Church and was a guest presenter at the Minority Health Summit, where he focused on improving mental health outcomes in Black communities.
May saw the inaugural Critical Conversations panel as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, kicking off discussions of mental health transparency and accountability. This event fostered open dialogue and underscored ULUS’s commitment to creating safe spaces for discussing mental health. Dr. Briggs also led a youth-focused panel at Long Branch Baptist Church, addressing boundaries in relationships and emotional intelligence.
June and July: Engaging with the Community
Over the summer, Dr. Briggs continued his engagement, speaking on women’s mental health at New Foundation Baptist Church and discussing the role of mental health in the church at Long Branch Baptist Church. He also represented ULUS at the Juneteenth Celebration in Unity Park, where he connected with attendees and provided information on mental health resources available through ULUS.
July marked a highlight as Dr. Briggs was the keynote speaker at the Man Up Conference, focusing on mental health among minority adolescent males. His insights provided young men with tools and support to prioritize mental health. Dr. Briggs also held the esteemed position of keynote emeritus during Black Nurse Week, inspiring healthcare professionals to recognize the role they play in advancing mental health in their communities.
August: Focusing on Back-to-School Mental Health
As students prepared for the school year, Dr. Briggs brought attention to the mental health challenges faced by grade school and college students. His interview on WSPA 7News and a corresponding social media campaign highlighted the stressors and mental health struggles accompanying the return to school, offering parents, teachers, and students tips for managing these challenges.
Looking Ahead
The McClaren Mental Health Initiative, led by Dr. Briggs, has made an incredible impact in its inaugural year. By raising awareness, engaging with the community, and creating spaces for open discussion, ULUS is helping to shift the conversation around mental health. This initiative represents a crucial step toward a future where mental health resources are accessible, conversations about mental wellness are normalized, and every individual has the support they need to thrive.