Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Henry Health announce a national digital campaign for National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Washington, D.C. — Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the nation’s oldest and largest collegiate fraternity founded for Black men and Henry Health, Inc., a health care digital startup, announced today the formation of Reclaim Our Strength, a national digital campaign aimed at raising the awareness of emotional and mental health issues impacting black men.

The digital campaign, which will end with a national twitter townhall on the emotional and mental health of black men, will feature an infographic on the stressors for black men, as well as a microsite where men will be given the opportunity to share their personal stories, and essays from prominent health and community leaders on mental health issues.

“We, as Alpha men, have always prided ourselves on being leaders within our communities,” said Dr. Everett B. Ward, general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. “The truth is that we can’t lead if we are emotionally unhealthy. We want to help men, especially Black men, understand that when life becomes challenging there is strength in seeking help.”

Untreated mental health disorders and unmanaged stress are silent killers of Black men. Adult Blacks are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems compared to the general population. Only 6.6% of Black men used mental health services in the last year. Constant exposure to stressors over a prolonged period can contribute to chronic health conditions and exacerbate mental illness.

“Our goals at Henry Health is to help shift the cultural view related to accessing mental health services,” said Kevin Dedner, founder and CEO of Henry Health. “The Reclaim Our Strength campaign is simply a step and I am pleased to partner with the Office of the General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.”