The African American Family Outreach Project will offer its first “You Are Not Alone” virtual workshop of the season on Oct. 9, 2021.  The purpose of the workshops is to assist families dealing with mental illness and/or substance abuse.  The events provide information about such topics as the nature of mental illness, treatments and about services available in Alameda County.

The next workshop will feature Dr. Lester Love, a psychiatrist and an internist, who will discuss the physical health issues that often accompany people living with mental illness or substance abuse as well as the use of psychiatric medications.  

In prior talks, Dr. Love’s discussion of health concerns was also pertinent to the general health concerns of African American adults seeking to avoid the ill effects of hypertension and diabetes.

The workshop will also present Daniel Ku, a licensed clinical social worker, who will describe two highly effective treatment programs offered by Alameda County Behavioral Health.  Ku heads up Assertive Outpatient Treatment (AOT), which provides a comprehensive set of services to those with mental illness, who have faced prior hospitalization or incarceration yet need more support in following a treatment program.

Ku will also inform the audience on the In Home Outreach Team, (IHOT) a vital program that reaches out directly to the family and the affected relative, providing problem-solving, support and identifying County resources.

The event will run from 9:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 9.  It will include time to hear from family members “who’ve been there” and ample time for questions and answers.

It is covered by Alameda County Behavioral Health using Mental Health Service Act funds and is sponsored by thecMental Health Association of Alameda County.

To register, call 510-697-8533.

The Oakland Post’s coverage of local news in Alameda County is supported by the Ethnic Media Sustainability Initiative, a program created by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services to support community newspapers across California.

Christy Price

Posts by Christy Price