The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA), in partnership with Addiction Services Central Ontario (ASCO), is launching a region-wide initiative to engage Black residents in shaping the future of mental health and addictions support in York Region.

The Community Conversations series in August and September offers Black youth, adults, caregivers and individuals with lived, living or shared experience an opportunity to share their insights, challenges and ideas, according to a NACCA news release. This work will contribute to the development of a community-informed strategy for Black mental health and addictions in York Region and support the goals of Ontario’s broader Black Health Plan.

“This project is rooted in trust, collaboration and action,” said Jerisha Grant-Hall, executive director of NACCA. “We want to create a path toward Black mental health and addictions care that is culturally grounded, community-driven and systemically responsive.”

“At ASCO, we recognize that equity in mental health and addictions care must be informed by those with lived and living experience. We are proud to partner with NACCA to ensure Black communities are heard and actively lead the process of designing systems that will serve them today and in the future,” said Penny Marrett, executive director of ASCO.

Backed by a multi-sectoral steering committee and with research led by LogicalOutcomes, this initiative ensures that the process is both collaborative and accountable, NACCA said. The project will produce a resource guide and a set of program recommendations for mental health and addictions service providers across York Region.

About the project

• Lead organizations: NACCA and ASCO
• Research partner: LogicalOutcomes
• Project goal: To inform a regional strategy for Black mental health and addictions care in York Region
• Who it’s for: Black youth, adults, elders, caregivers and other Black individuals with lived/shared experience
• How to participate: In-person and virtual sessions, anonymous forms, focused circles for youth and elders

A steering committee of community and sector leaders will guide the project, including representatives from 360°kids, York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families, CAYR Community Connections, York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities, Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association, ANCHOR Canada, private practitioners, ASCO and NACCA.

This initiative centres Black experiences while promoting shared leadership, data-informed decision making and culturally responsive service design, especially important in suburban regions where Black residents often face unique barriers to access, NACCA said.

Join the conversation

Community members interested in participating or learning more are encouraged to visit www.naccacommunity.ca/black-community-consultation.