This webinar series will explore how faith-based community leadership can build mental health capacity in the midst of COVID-19. It addresses the need to assist these leaders in (1) improving their general knowledge base around mental and emotional disorders and (2) removing the stigma regarding mental health issues. By incorporating a cross collaboration between faith leaders and psychiatric practitioners, the three-part series will help improve the overall well-being of African-American and other communities during and beyond the current pandemic.
Annelle Primm, M.D., MPH is the Senior Medical Director of the Steve Fund, an organization focused on the mental health of young people of color including college students. She is also the Convener of the All Healers Mental Health Alliance and mobilizes organizational collaboration to provide healing services for disaster-affected marginalized communities. Dr. Primm is a former Deputy Medical Director of the American Psychiatric Association (2004-20015). She received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University, her medical degree from Howard University and psychiatric training as well as training in public health from Johns Hopkins University. She is a published author and serves as an adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University, New York University and Howard University Schools of Medicine. Dr. Primm is a member of the Black Psychiatrists of America Council of Elders.
Michael Torres, M.D. is a psychiatrist currently in private practice in Baltimore, MD. His primary interest is the interface between mental health and spirituality. Dr. Torres obtained his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Rochester. He graduated from Hahnemann University Medical School in 1990 with distinction in Psychiatry. In the same year, he was ordained within the Church of God in Christ. He completed specialty training in Psychiatry at the University of Maryland in 1994. Dr. Torres has gained clinical and administrative experience in academic settings, public and private outpatient agencies, and faith-based programs. Through educational, research and clinical activities, he has attempted to build bridges between the faith community and the mental health system. His hope is that these efforts will eliminate barriers to mental health services in underserved communities.
Faith-based leaders, congregants and mental health clinicians.
Guiding the Shepherd and Shepherding the Flock in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic – Webinar series
