"The Misperceptions About Mental Health & Faith In The 21st Century" from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Prominent mental health experts and faith leaders in the community will convene at The Church of the Messiah in Nashville to remove the stigma about mental illness and faith by raising awareness, providing information and resources to promote healthier lifestyles for the mind, body & spirit.

As a leading faith institution and community partner in one of the city's highest crime area, Pastor Bryan Williams and The Church of the Messiah beautiful worship center is the ultimate place for Radical, Inc. to tape, "Faith N Mind" its organization's national television show project, "The Misperceptions About Mental Health & Faith In The 21st Century." The collaboration brings the church, SCRAB Behavioral Health Services, LLC and Radical, Inc. united to increase mental health awareness in the African-American community and faith organizations. On Tuesday, July 18, the above organizations will host "The Misperceptions About Mental Health & Faith In The 21st Century" from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The CEO/Founder of Radical, Inc. and the leaders of each participating organization are inviting family, friends, faith organizations, and community partners to attend the event. Area organizations will be at the event to provide mental health resources and information before and after the event.

"Mental illness affects us all. My main passion is working with interfaith organizations and communities in Nashville to promote mental health awareness and address social issues by supporting community organizations with resources, strategies and research. Having the unprecedented opportunity to be "creative" on a national television show to discuss a subject that many people, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religious affiliation or social/economical status often stigmatizes is truly "radical" yet very rewarding," Angela L. Shine, LMSW said. "Through this project, Radical, Inc. and Faith N Mind will give back to a community and city that have fostered both my personal and professional growth throughout the years in making a commitment to increase mental health awareness in this city and nationwide."

Mental illness affects one in five adults and one in 10 children in America, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Furthermore, mental illness is a leading cause of disability, yet nearly two-thirds of people with a diagnosable mental illness do not seek treatment, and racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. are even less likely to get help, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Regarding minorities, they are less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment for their mental illness, have less access to and availability of mental health services and often receive a poorer quality of mental health care.

According to the Davidson County, TN Community Health Needs Assessment 2016, the county's overall social, emotional and mental health status has drastically increased in certain areas. Between 2006-2012, 18% of the United States reported "poor" or "fair" health. Contrastly, Tennessee reported 23% and Davidson County reported 14%. Even though tobacco use is the most preventable cause of premature mortality and morbidity, the assessment reported in 2013 it was 24% adult smokers in Tennessee. Lastly, the Tennessee Dept. of Mental Health reported that 1 out of 10 people in Davidson County have abused substances in the past year. Definitely, there is a mental health crisis that must be addressed.

"I am elated with the possibilities that the future holds for interfaith organizations and communities to unite to address the overall health and wellness of their houses of worship, city and community. Nashville, TN is a beautiful city with many houses of worship, untapped resources and willing partners who are ready to "remove the stigma" to step beyond the traditional roles of religion to activate "faith in action" for "Lifelong Solutions For A Mentally Healthy America (Nashville, TN). Remember, its'a MOVEment through ACTION & LOVE!"

JOIN THESE DYNAMIC SPEAKERS: Dr. Lloyda Williamson of Meharry Elam Mental Health Center, Bishop Kenneth Dupree, The Victory Church, Pastor Enoch Fuzz, Corinthian Baptist Church, Pastor Frank Stevenson, City of Grace Church, Pastor Montagne McDonald, King Solomon M.B. Church, Pastor Judy Johnson, Claiborne Family of Faith, Elder James Duke, St. Paul P.B. Church, and Pastor Harmon Stockdale, Kayne Avenue Baptist Church and creative expressions by Free Spirit, Leslie J, Poet, Tia Mitchel, Kenyan Flowers and others...

"The Misperceptions of Mental Health & Faith in the 21st Century" event goal is to promote and increase mental health awareness, and help us improve access to mental health treatment & services.

Location: The Church Of Messiah 88 Lafayette Street Nashville, TN 6:00 p.m. - Tuesday, July 18th