The African American Mental Health Coalition (AAHC) is a collaboration of families, community
members, faith-based organizations, and mental health professionals, providing vital information
and resources for students and families to obtain a better quality of life. Formed in 2006,
AAHC's outreach efforts are focused on advocating for mental health access, and providing
culturally relevant resource services to children, transitional age youth, young adults, as well as
adults of all ages.
As a service provider, AAHC focuses on suicide prevention intervention, trauma outreach,
mental health education presentations, and chronic absenteeism home case management for
school-aged youth. Working within the San Bernardino Unified School District and Adelanto
Elementary School District, AAHC has visited over 10,000 individuals, students, and families in
order to provide access to and information regarding mental health services and school
resources.
AAHC is currently providing community mental health outreach within the three regions of
Riverside County on suicide prevention, trauma, and general mental health advocacy. They
have successfully trained and employed over 60 certified mental health community outreach
providers, many of whom are bilingual, thus expanding their reach and population served.
In terms of community-wide outreach, AAHC redeveloped seven mental health presentation
charts approved and verified by The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health.
By encouraging individuals, students, and families to seek help when needed, eliminating the
stigma surrounding mental health care, and increasing awareness of the available services and
resources to students and their families, AAHC has succeeded in improving and saving lives of
vulnerable and disadvantaged community members.
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