Peace & Power: Black Women Anxiety Group (Photo: Business Wire)
Black Mental Health Canada (BMHC) and GreenShield proudly announce their partnership to address the critical need for culturally sensitive mental health support within the Black Canadian community. Their collaboration introduces QUEENS: Quest to Unite, Empower, & Encourage Nubian Sisters. This initiative aims to bridge a significant gap in mental health care by offering tailored support and resources to uplift and empower Black women across Canada.
QUEENS represents a joint commitment to providing essential mental health support to individuals identifying as women and those of Black or African heritage. Through this groundbreaking initiative, BMHC and GreenShield will offer vital support through women's counseling groups. These groups will cover various topics such as depression, anxiety, growth mindset, pre and postnatal care, meditation, self-care, parenting, and other crucial areas within the community.
Alice Wiafe, Team Leader at BMHC, emphasizes the importance of culturally sensitive care, stating that QUEENS is one example of their efforts to dismantle barriers hindering access to mental health support tailored to the stressors and experiences of Black women. The objective is to create safe, inclusive spaces where Black women from diverse backgrounds can come together to share their experiences openly and support one another. Unfortunately, stigma, misinformation, and feelings of shame still surround seeking help, as highlighted by recent research.
Group counseling provides a transformative space where shared experiences are openly discussed, normalizing them and dispelling fears of isolation. Within this nurturing environment enriched by diverse perspectives specific to the Black Canadian community, individuals cultivate invaluable social support and develop interpersonal skills. QUEENS prioritizes the empowerment and well-being of Black women, creating spaces that not only provide therapeutic support but also celebrate and uplift their identities and experiences.
Mandy Mail, Executive Vice President and Head of Marketing, Communications & GreenShield Cares, underscores GreenShield's commitment to promoting better health for all Canadians, with a focus on bridging equity gaps through culturally appropriate solutions for underserved populations. Through their Women's Mental Health program, GreenShield has provided free mental health services to nearly 90,000 women, with a particular focus on those of Black or African heritage. Collaborating with organizations like BMHC allows GreenShield to expand its impact and address the diverse needs of these communities.
GreenShield's investment of $75 million in social impact programs aims to positively impact at least one million Canadian lives. A significant portion of this investment, over $18.5 million, has been allocated to mental health initiatives, providing complimentary mental health support to nearly 200,000 equity-seeking Canadians. Given the heightened mental health challenges faced by women from equity-seeking groups, GreenShield focuses on providing support for individuals identifying as women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming.
QUEENS marks a significant step towards achieving mental health equity. BMHC and GreenShield remain committed to driving positive change and expanding access for Black women across Canada to have the support they need to thrive.
Black Mental Health Canada (BMHC) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and providing culturally sensitive support to individuals of Black and African heritage across Canada. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, BMHC strives to address systemic barriers and promote mental wellness within the Black community.
GreenShield is an integrated health and benefits organization and the first organization in Canada to operate as a payer-provider. They offer insurance, administer benefits, and pay claims while providing health services such as mental health, pharmacy, and telemedicine services. Their mission is to improve health outcomes for customers and support equity-seeking Canadian communities through social impact initiatives under their brand, GreenShield Cares.
