Indiana Black Expo presents new mental health series at Summer Celebration 2024

The Indiana Black Expo recently introduced a new mental health series during its 2024 Summer Celebration. The Mental Health Symposium is a two-part series that aims to educate the local Black community on mental health and brain wellness. Created in partnership with the Indiana State Department of Health as part of the Black & Minority Health Fair, the symposium is designed to help individuals better cope with mental illness.

Edward Rodgers, the director of event management with IBE, stated that the symposium is intended to provide valuable information and resources to support and advance knowledge about brain health. The first part of the series, which focused on supporting seniors and senior caregivers with mental health challenges, was held on Thursday.

Part two of the Mental Health Symposium, titled “Cherish Your Mind,” will take place on Saturday at the Indiana Convention Center. The event, moderated by journalist Ed Gordon, will cover topics such as brain health, navigating healthcare systems, and reducing the stigma of mental health conditions. The symposium is free and open to the public by registration.

Antoniette Holt, the ISDH Director for the Office of Minority Health, emphasized the importance of access to health resources for minorities who are disproportionately affected by chronic illnesses. She encouraged individuals to attend the event and invest in themselves by taking advantage of the over $4,500 in free health screenings offered at the Black & Minority Health Fair, which has been a part of expo events in Indianapolis for nearly 40 years. For more information, interested individuals can contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Abriana Herron at aherron@wfyi.org.