Black Mental Health Alliance of Massachusetts

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The Black Mental Health Alliance of Massachusetts, Inc, (BMHA) is the leading organization working to promote parity and justice in mental health services while actively eliminating disparities in mental health services in Massachusetts. We serve as an information and education resource to our individual and business members. We provide our members with continuing education programs, as well as keeping members informed in many mental health issues, including the development of policy and legislation, regulatory compliance and the creation of mental health centers. BMHA also works on behalf of the general public, educating legislators, government officials, media and consumers on the serious issues facing our profession.

Welcome MessageFrom Dr. Omar ReidDear Friends and Colleagues:Welcome to the new website of the Black Mental Health Alliance (BMHA) of Massachusetts. We are a growing membership organization that is committed to improving the quality of mental healthcare among minorities and disadvantaged people through its membership, professional development, community health education, advocacy, research and partnerships with individuals, groups, and organizations. We are here to serve as the primary and collective voice of Black Americans, other ethnic cultural groups and poor people who may not be represented at the public policy table in Massachusetts. Thank you for joining us. Dr. Omar ReidPresident and FounderBlack Mental Health Alliance of Massachusetts

About

ABOUT

Who We Are

We are a membership organization that is committed to improving the quality of mental healthcare among blacks, ethnic minorities, disadvantaged people and the poor. We work through our membership and provide professional development, community health education, advocacy, research and partnerships with individuals, groups, organizations, both public and private, along with Federal, state and private agencies. We serve as the primary and collective voice of Black Americans, ethnic cultural groups and poor people who may not be represented at the mental health policy table in Massachusetts.

What We Do

We serve as the collective advocacy voice of black American and other ethnic minorities who serve as mental health care professionals in Massachusetts. We work to bring about mental health care parity and justice in mental health services and the elimination of disparities in mental health care delivery throughout the state. We also work in partnership with various individuals; groups, organizations and governmental bodies as may be necessary or desirable to promote the establishment of minority owned and operated mental health facilities.

What We Believe

We believe that it is our responsibility as mental health professionals to act as a collective voice to improve the quality of mental healthcare in Massachusetts amongst Black and other Ethnic minorities, including poor and disadvantaged people.

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Our Team

BMHA Management Team
Dr. Omar Reid, PresidentDr. Omar Reid is a licensed educational psychologist and licensed mental health counselor. Dr. Reid received his undergraduate degree from Hamilton College, Clinton, NY. He received his masters degree in counseling psychology from Cambridge College and a CAGS in school psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. He received his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University, in Keene, NH.Dr Reid received his clinical training at The Children’s Hospital in Boston, Boston Medical Center, and the VA Hospital in Montrose New York. He has specialization in children, adolescent, and adult psychological, neuropsychological, and learning disabilities assessment. He worked as a school psychologist in the Boston Public School system for twelve years. Dr. Reid has over 30 years of experience is a public health expert. He worked for seven years as community liaison/trainer for the Community Crisis Response team, which is part of Cambridge Hospitals Victims of Violence program. Dr. Reid is co-founder and Co-Director of Pyramid Builders. He currently provides learning disabilities assessment for schools. He also provides individual, family, couples, and group counseling. He is the Director of Clinical Services for Academic & Behavioral Clinic, which is a Black owned psychological testing and counseling firm.

Dr. Omar Reid
Todd Payton, Senior V. PresidentTodd Payton is a public health and community service management expert with over 20 years of experience in program management and administration of CBO’s and Community Health Centers. He has over 25 years of experience in mental health, substance abuse and teen pregnancy prevention counseling, with a thorough knowledge of local community public health and medical delivery system. He is an established public speaker, policy writer, coalition builder and community advocate. Todd currently serves in many roles including President and CEO of T. Payton, LLC; a community empowerment consulting company that supports local and regional innovative initiatives that bring about positive health-self actualization. He has also served as Clinical Coordinator of the Father Friendly Initiative, providing program management and mental health oversight for a 5-year CDC program evaluation project. He previously served as a Clinical Program Supervisor for Harvard Neighborhood Health Center in Roxbury, Massachusetts were he provides clinical supervision of four adult’s residential drug-free treatment programs, while overseeing a clinical operation for 40 staff and 120 residents.As a Consultant with the Payton Consultant Group Todd consulted with over 25 community and health related agencies, and was successful in developing and/or implementing a number of special projects and programs, including, developing a teen pregnancy prevention programs, coordinating health education services, organizing a research study of minority men’s attitudes toward the local health care delivery systems, writing legislation for state policy initiative for a community health center, helping to create a new community based substance abuse treatment program for a coalition of community health center s and treatment organizations, helping to create a multicultural AIDS coalition involving the Massachusetts Department of Health and several community health centers, co-founding the first-in-the-nation men of color health initiative. Todd was also recruited as a nationally recognized expert and conference presenter on minority public health issues. Back in 1994-1998 Todd served as Executive Director of the Consortium of Black Health Center DirectorsTodd holds a Master’s of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lesley College, Cambridge, MA, along with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from George Williams College, in Chicago, IL. He is currently awaiting his license as a Mental Health Counselor, is a licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor and a licensed Social Worker. He Sits on the Board of Roxbury Hill Land Trust (2001 to present) President, Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center (2007 to present) Board Member, and the Garrison Trotter Neighborhood Association (1998 to present) Member.

Todd Payton
Gloria Middeton, Community Outreach LiasonGloria Middleton is a community services and communications Subject Matter Expert (SME) with over 20 years of experience of working with nonprofit agencies. Her work in both the public and private sector has provided her with opportunities to develop strong problem solving and people management skills both in roles in human resources and as an administrative manager. Gloria has extensive experience working in the property management arena, and has worked with one of New England’s largest property management firms, serving as a liaison between management and residents regarding co-op conversion. Gloria is extremely knowledgeable of the contracting and bidding process and has been responsible for maintaining multimillion dollar fiscal budgets.Gloria has volunteered with many organizations over the years, including, Family Services of Greater Boston, FAST (Family Action Support Team) Teen mentor, Boston Literacy Adult Program, Daughters of the Promise Women’s Ministry and Paige Academy in Boston. Gloria serves as Community Outreach Liaison with the Black A/A Mental Health Alliance (BAAMHA).Gloria attended Johnson and Wales College in Providence, Rhode Island and The University of Massachusetts at Boston.

Gloria Middleton

Our Team

Board of Directors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors is made up of public and community service professionals. They contribute significant amounts of time, talent, and energy to ensure the growing vitality of the BMHA of Massachusetts. This web page will be updated shortly with a list and bios of the BMHA Board members.

Membership

Procedures

PROCEDURES

Persons or groups interested in becoming a member of the Black Mental Health Alliance must satisfy the following criteria and procedures:

1. Must be at least eighteen (18) years old.

2. Must be identified by a current member as a person or organization who has the desire to provide their time, talents and other resources in furtherance of the objectives and programs of the BMHA and engage in community service.

3. Organizations must be registered, or in the process of becoming legally registered in the State of Massachusetts, and must work in the area of mental health services. (BMHA can help with this)

4. Must pay the applicable membership dues and submit an application for membership. Once you submit the completed application, which includes a section on why you would like to become a member, and what types of skills and services you can provide in furtherance of the objectives and programs of the BMHA, along with the total membership fee to the Black Mental Health Alliance of Massachusetts. You will be required to:

• Interview with membership committee

• Receive a membership committee recommendation

• Receive a majority vote of the Executive Board*

• Submit payment of annual membership dues, which are non-refundable

• Participate in the induction ceremony

Note: Final authority on the induction of all applicants rests with the Executive Board of the BMHA Board of Directors.

ospective members attend a BMHA orientation and information session in order to best understand our objectives and programs and to have all of your questions and concerns addressed.

Application

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

In order to become a member you must submit a completed application, which includes a section on why you would like to become a member, and what types of skills and services you can provide in furtherance of the objectives and programs of the BMHA, along with the total membership fee to the Black Mental Health Alliance of Massachusetts. As part of the application processs you will:

• Interview with membership committee

• Receive a membership committee recommendation

• Receive a majority vote of the Executive Board*

• Submit payment of annual membership dues, which are non-refundable

• Participate in the induction ceremony

Note: Final authority on the induction of all applicants rests with the Executive Board of the BMHA Board of Directors.

Coming Soon!

PDF of BMHA Membership Application and Questionaire.

All applicants must attach a CV or Bio with their application.

Types

Membership Types

Chapter Member: A BMHA Chapter Member is required to attend a minimum of three (3) general membership meetings and actively participate on at least one (1) BMHA Chapter meeting per fiscal year. A Chapter Member is entitled to full voting rights and is eligible to hold elected office and/or serve as a Committee Chair absent restrictions in the bylaws to the contrary. Chapter Members in good standing are entitled to special incentives and/or discounts for select BMHA functions as approved by the Executive Board. Chapter members are required to participate in all BMHA fundraising activities.

Chapter Member - Yearly Membership dues $500.00

Associate Member: An Associate Member while committed to the mission, objectives and goals of the BMHA, is unable to fulfill the Chapter Member requirements. An Associate Member must attend at least two (2) general membership meetings and one (1) Chapter program or event during the fiscal year. Associate members may not hold office but are entitled to full voting right. Associate Members are not entitled to special incentives and/or discounts for BMHA functions and events. Associate members are encouraged but not obligated to participate in fundraising activities.

Associate Member - Yearly Membership dues: $400.00

College Student Associate Member $150.00

Affiliate Member: An Affiliate Member while committed to the mission, objectives and goals of the BMHA, is unable to fulfill the Chapter or Associate Member requirements. An Affiliate Member must attend at least one (1) general membership meetings and one (1) BMHA program or event during the fiscal year. An Affiliate Member cannot hold office or vote. Affiliate members may serve on, but not Chair, a BMHA committee. An Affiliate is not entitled to special incentives and/or discounts for BMHA functions. Affiliate members are encouraged but not required to participate in BMHA fundraising activities.

Affiliate Member - Yearly Membership dues $300.00

College Student Affiliate Member $100.00

MEMBERSHIP

Procedures

Application

Types

Membership Benefits

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Your BMHA Membership entitles you to:Voting Representation within the BMHA [Active Members Only*] The Black Mental Health Alliance of Massachusetts members establish broad alliance policy on Massachusetts mental health issues, mental health practices, mental health education, special interest concerns, and operations related to black and other minorities. BMHA members have a voice in the shaping of Massachusetts policy that affects your livelihood and the welfare of your patients.Membership Discounts on Continuing Mental Health Education Programs The Black Mental Health Alliance of Massachusetts plans to offer Massachusetts foremost program on mental health services and African American health. Attendees at these training sessions can earn as many as 30-40 continuing mental health education units. BMHA membership provides special discounts on registration at this and other BMHA-sponsored continuing mental health education programs.BMHA Journal and Electronic ResourcesThe Black Mental Health Alliance of Massachusetts will provide scholarly publications. Members will have access to the BMHA Journal and both in print format, and electronic format option. BMHA will also publish a quarterly BMHA E-Newsletter, highlighting BMHA policy, and Mental Health news.BMHA Mental Health Locator Service The BMHA will develop a community mental health locator service which identifies active BMHA members for consumers who are in search of an African American Mental Health professionals. Active BMHA members can potentially increase the access of patients to their practice by enrolling in this free members’ only service!BMHA Career Center If you are actively seeking a career change, seeking to be recruited by major health plans or simply interested in being considered if the right opportunity comes along, log on to the BMHA website and its Career Center. BMHA members can submit their resume/vitae confidentially at no cost.Membership Card Your personal membership card, containing your individual membership number, validates your status as a member in good standing. In addition to these benefits; members receive discounts on the following services from BMHA Partners: Coming Soon!

Members Only

Members

Newsletter

Member Alerts

Meeting Minutes

Newsletter

News
BMHA is in the process of publishing a quarterly BMHA E-Newsletter, highlighting BMHA policy, and Mental Health news. Please stay tune to this web page for our first of many E-Newsletters.

Member Alerts

Information
BMHA Member Alerts are time-sensitive communications containing important information for you and your business, a call to action or both. Each member receives the alerts via email the day they are sent out. Member Alerts are archived here in the event you ever need to refer back to them.

Meeting Minutes

Meeting Updates
The Board and Executive Committee of BMHA meet on a regular schedules. Check back here as we update the 2011-2012 schedule. You will also find minutes to Board, Executive and Membership meetings here as well.

Our Partnerships

Continuing Education

CONTINUING EDUCATION

The Black Mental Health Alliance of Massachusetts plans to offer Massachusetts foremost continuing education program on mental health services and African American health. Attendees at training sessions can earn as many as 30-40 continuing mental health education units.

BMHA membership provides special discounts on registration at this and other BMHA-sponsored continuing mental health education programs.

Stay tuned to this page!

Resources

RESOURCES
Adult Children of Alcoholicswww.adultchildren.orgAdult Children of Alcoholics is a Twelve Step, Twelve Tradition program of women and men who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes. They meet with each other in a mutually respectful, safe environment and acknowledge their common experiences. They discover how childhood affected them in the past and influences them in the present (“The Problem”). They take positive action. By practicing the Twelve Steps, focusing on “The Solution”, and in accepting a loving Higher Power of understanding, they find freedom from the past and a way to improve their lives today.Al-Anon/Alateenwww.al-anon.alateen.orgFor over 50 years, Al-Anon (which includes Alateen for younger members) has been offering hope and help to families and friends of alcoholics. It is estimated that each alcoholic affects the lives of at least four other people; alcoholism is truly a family disease. No matter what relationship you have with an alcoholic, whether they are still drinking, all who have been affected by someone else’s drinking can find solutions that lead to serenity in the Al-Anon/Alateen fellowship.Alcoholics Anonymouswww.aa.orgAlcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; it does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorsing nor opposing any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.Children of Alcoholics Foundationwww.coaf.orgChildren of substance abusers need help making sense of addiction and why their family has been affected. They need assistance understanding their parents’ behavior, which may include abuse and neglect. They need support as they cope with broken promises, confusion, anger, loss and bereavement. And they need special help understanding their own unique risk for drug and alcohol abuse. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliancewww.dbsalliance.orgThe nation’s leading patient-directed organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses – depression and bipolar disorder. The organization fosters an understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically based tools and information written in language the general public can understand. DBSA supports research to promote more timely diagnosis, develop more effective and tolerable treatments and discover a cure. The organization works to ensure that people living with mood disorders are treated equitably.The Mental Illness Education Projectwww.MIEPvideos.orgIt produces and distribute video-based educational programs and related materials. A non-profit organization, it is are committed to helping people deal with the often devastating effects of serious mental illness.Nar-Anonwww.nar-anon.orgNar-Anon is a twelve-step program designed to help relatives and friends of addicts recover from the effects of living with an addicted relative or friend. Nar-Anon’s program of recovery is adapted from Narcotics Anonymous and uses Nar-Anon’s Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. The only requirement to be a member and attend Nar-Anon meetings is that there is a problem of drugs or addiction in a relative or friend. Nar-Anon is not affiliated with any other organization or outside entity.Narcotics Anonymouswww.na.orgNA is a non-profit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. They meet regularly to help each other stay clean. They are not interested in what or how much members used but only in what members want to do about their problem and how they can help.National Center for Victims of Crimewww.ncvc.orgThe National Center for Victims of Crime is the nation’s leading resource and advocacy organization for crime victims. Since 1985, it has worked with more than 10,000 grassroots organizations and criminal justice agencies serving millions of crime victims.National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Informationwww.health.orgThe NCADI is the nation’s one-stop resource for information about substance abuse prevention and addiction treatment.National Domestic Violence Hotlinewww.ndvh.orgThe National Domestic Violence Hotline answers more than 16,000 calls per month from victims, survivors, friends and family members, law enforcement personnel, domestic violence advocates and the general public. Hotline advocates provide support and assistance to anyone involved in a domestic violence situation, including those in same-sex relationships, male survivors, those with disabilities and immigrant victims of domestic violence. All calls are confidential.National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)www.niaaa.nih.govNational Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)www.nida.nih.govNIDA’s mission is to lead the nation in bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction.National Institute of Mental Healthwww.nimh.nih.govThe National Mental Health Association is the country’s oldest and largest non-profit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans, especially the 54 million people with mental disorders, through advocacy, education, research and service.National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghousewww.mhselfhelp.orgThe National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse is a consumer-run national technical assistance center serving the mental health consumer movement. It helps connect individuals to self-help and advocacy resources, and it offers expertise to self-help groups and other peer-run services for mental health consumers.National Mental Health Information Centerwww.mentalhealth.orgThe Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Mental Health Information Center provides information about mental health via a toll-free telephone number (800-789-2647), this web site, and more than 600 publications.National Resource Center on Homelessness and Mental Illnesswww.nrchmi.samhsa.orgNational Suicide Prevention Lifelinewww.suicidepreventionlifeline.orgThe National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s mission is to provide immediate assistance to individuals in suicidal crisis by connecting them to the nearest available suicide prevention and mental health service provider through a toll-free telephone number: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). It is the only national suicide prevention and intervention telephone resource funded by the federal government.National Youth Anti-Drug Campaign (Office of National Drug Control Policy)www.mediacampaign.orgThe National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign is a multi-dimensional effort to educate and empower youth to reject illicit drugs. The campaign uses a variety of media to reach parents and youth, including TV ads, educational materials, Web sites, and publications. The campaign’s messages reach Americans wherever they live, work, learn, and play.Office of National Drug Control Policywww.whitehousedrugpolicy.govThe principal purpose of ONDCP is to establish policies, priorities, and objectives for the nation’s drug control program. The goals of the program are to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing, and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences.Parents, The Anti-Drugwww.theantidrug.comTheAntiDrug.com was created by the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign to equip parents and other adult caregivers with the tools they need to raise drug-free kids. Working with the nation’s leading experts in the fields of parenting and substance abuse prevention, TheAntiDrug.com serves as a drug prevention information center and a supportive community for parents to interact and learn from each other.Parent/Professional Advocacy Leaguewww.ppal.netPAL is an organization that promotes a strong voice for families of children and adolescents with mental health needs. PAL advocates for supports, treatment and policies that enable families to live in their communities in an environment of stability and respect.Partnership for a Drug-Free Americawww.drugfreeamerica.orgThe Partnership for a Drug-Free America is a non-profit coalition of communication, health, medical and educational professionals working to reduce illicit drug use and help people live healthy, drug-free lives.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrationwww.samhsa.govSAMHSA’s vision is a life in the community for everyone. SAMHSA’s mission is to build resilience and facilitate recovery for people with or at risk for substance abuse and mental illness

Careers

Careers

Job Seekers

Whether you're looking for a new job, or ready to take the next step in your career, we'll help you find the opportunity that's right for you.

Coming Soon!

Recruiters

Target your recruiting and reach qualified candidates quickly and easily. Simply complete our online Registration Form and start posting jobs today!

Coming Soon!

Consumers

CONSUMERS

This section of our website is for consumers. We are updating information for this section, so please check back regularly for updates.

Please take this opportunity to browse the links below.

Mental Health Locator

Mental Health providers that accept Mass Health, Medicare & Medicaid

Massachusetts Department of Health

Write to Congress

Write your city/state Representative

Funding

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Our project consultant, Core Synergy Group , based out of the Washington, DC area will update us with funding opportunities on a regular basis. Private foundations and public agencies are reliable sources for program funding for many mental healh programs in Massachusetts.

The Office of Justice Programs

Part of the U.S. Department of Justice, the OJP provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

SAMHSA's Grants home page features Requests for Applications (RFAs) and all of the materials needed by applicant for SAMHSA grants.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) NIDA's Funding page offers general information on grants and contracts, and tips for developing and writing grant applications.

The Consensus Project

The Criminal Justice/Mental Health Consensus Project, coordinated by the Council of State Governments Justice Center, is a national effort to help local, state, and federal policymakers and criminal justice and mental health professionals improve the response to people with mental illnesses who come into contact with the criminal justice system.

Visit this webpage regularly for updates on private foundations and public agencies who are providing funding opportunities.

Publications

PUBLICATIONS
Here is just a sampling of the books and CDs written, co-written or edited by members of The Black Mental Health Alliance of Massachusetts. Most of these books and CD's are available through Amazon.com or through each members website. Coming soon!

News and Events

Latest News and Events

Mental Health Locator

MENTAL HEALTH LOCATOR

BMHA provides this list of Mental Health Service providers who can care for you. Most of the providers are authorized MassHealth providers.

Type in your address and click the 'Find Mental Health Serviices' button to find mental health services near you.

Coming Soon!

Contact

Info_BMHAM.org

Contact: Gloria Middelton

Phone: 857-615-8603

Fax: 857-220-3040

CONTACT

Home

About

Our Team

Board of Directors

Membership

Membership Benefits

Members Only

Our Partnerships

Continuing Education

Resources

Careers

Consumers

Funding

Publications

News and Events

Mental Health Locator

Contact

Info_BMHAM.org
Phone: 857-615-8603
Fax: 857-220-3040.

Designed and maintained by Core Synergy Group. Copyright, Black Mental Health Alliance of Massachusetts, All Rights Reserved