PARTICIPANT STATISTICS - YEAR 3
The need for mental health support is clearly demonstrated by the statistics from Year 3 of the program's implementation. Among participants before beginning the program:
These findings highlight the urgent need for accessible mental health skills promotion programs like the VMHSC Program to improve the well-being of adults and youth in vulnerable communities.
COMMUNITY FOCUS
The program specifically targets communities that face significant barriers to accessing mental health care:
- Lower-income communities: Where mental health counseling is often unavailable or unaffordable
- Historically Black communities: Where culture-related stigma toward seeking mental health counseling exists
- Food-insecure communities: Where social determinants of health create additional stress and challenges
- Unsafe communities: Where environmental factors contribute to mental health challenges
By recruiting coaches and participants from these same communities, the program creates a sense of trust and cultural understanding that is essential for effective mental health support.
RECRUITMENT METHODS
The program uses various methods to reach potential participants:
- Community partnerships with churches, schools, and local organizations
- Word-of-mouth referrals from former participants and coaches
- Social media outreach (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube)
- School-based advertising and promotion
- Promotion at community events, including high school sporting events
- Direct outreach through community leaders and pastors
FUTURE EXPANSION EFFORTS
Based on feedback from Town Halls and community discussions, the program is working to expand its reach to:
- Individuals who live alone: Who may face increased isolation and mental health challenges
- Black men: Through peer-invitation models and specialized training tracks
- Additional communities throughout Florida: Through program replication and dissemination efforts