Ashley Glass, founder of Black Women Cultivating Change, walks near her home in Fairfield. The nonprofit she leads aims to connect individuals with mental health services, reflecting Glass’s personal journey overcoming anxiety and depression.
May 31, 2024 Story by: Editor
Seeking refuge in her bed, Ashley Glass found solace from her anxiety and depression, a struggle she endured since childhood. It wasn’t until she sought therapy that she realized its transformative power in her life.
However, finding the right therapist wasn’t easy. Like many others, Glass sought out a Black therapist, someone who understood her experiences intimately. But the scarcity of Black therapists in Ohio mirrored her struggle, reflecting a broader issue in the mental health landscape.
In response to this shortage, Glass founded Black Women Cultivating Change, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging gaps in mental health services, particularly for the Black community. Her organization aims to address the dearth of Black therapists, a sentiment echoed by many.
Meredith Poynter, from the Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition, emphasized the severity of the problem, citing alarming statistics revealing the overwhelming demand for mental health services compared to available resources. The disparity not only underscores the urgency of the issue but also its repercussions on individuals’ well-being.
Meanwhile, Lauren White, a doctoral researcher at the University of Cincinnati, delves into Black mental health, shedding light on systemic barriers hindering the advancement of Black therapists. Despite his expertise, White, like many others, faces constraints in meeting the high demand for Black therapists in Cincinnati. Source: WCPO
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Black Women Cultivating Change is organizing a mental health symposium in July to explore solutions. The initiative seeks to galvanize community efforts in addressing the shortage of Black therapists and improving access to mental health services.
For those interested in participating, the Black Mental Health Summit will take place on July 20th at the Holloman Center for Social Justice. Details can be found on Black Women Cultivating Change’s website
