Supporting mental health for youth of color, with Alfiee Breland-Noble, PhD
Sep 18, 2024
29:43
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Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, a psychologist dedicated to improving mental health for youth of color, discusses her groundbreaking $20 million funding initiative aimed at addressing mental health challenges. She highlights the importance of intersectionality, particularly for multiracial youth and trans girls, in crafting tailored mental health support. The conversation also covers how modern platforms can enhance inclusivity in psychological research, promoting equity and awareness for marginalized communities.
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Quick takeaways
Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble highlights the transformative potential of a $20 million grant to improve mental health for youth of color.
The Acoma Project emphasizes empowering intersectional youth to control their mental health narratives while promoting inclusive mental health systems.
Deep dives
Melinda French Gates' $1 Billion Initiative
Melinda French Gates recently announced a significant pledge of $1 billion aimed at enhancing the lives of women and girls globally, with part of this initiative designating $20 million funds for 12 leaders in specific fields. One of the chosen leaders, Dr. Alfie Breland Noble, a psychologist dedicated to advocating for the mental health of intersectional youth and youth of color, aims to utilize this funding to combat mental health challenges faced by these communities. In her view, receiving this funding was an overwhelming and transformative experience, reminiscent of the recognition awarded through prestigious grants like the MacArthur Genius Awards. This funding offers an unprecedented opportunity for Dr. Alfie to amplify her impact on youth mental health, particularly in underserved communities that have long been overlooked.
The Acoma Project's Mission and Impact
The Acoma Project, founded by Dr. Alfie, is focused on raising awareness, empowering youth and families, and transforming mental health systems to be more inclusive for young people of color. This nonprofit began as her research lab within academic medicine, aiming to address health disparities before evolving into a 501c3 organization with a distinct mission. Central to its approach is the focus on intersectionality, recognizing that young people often embody multiple identities that influence their mental health experiences. By empowering young people of color to take charge of their mental health and advocate for themselves, the Acoma Project fosters resilience and promotes a more inclusive discussion on mental well-being.
Navigating the Social Media Landscape
Social media plays a dual role in the lives of young people, providing both positive connectivity and potential negative impacts on mental health. It offers a platform for marginalized youths, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, to find community and support when their physical environments may not be safe. However, without proper guidance on healthy boundaries, social media can exacerbate mental health struggles. Dr. Alfie emphasizes the necessity for both young people and their caregivers to foster a balanced relationship with social media, addressing its challenges while highlighting its connection-building benefits.
Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, a psychologist who has spent decades working to advance the mental health of youth of color, was selected as one of 12 global leaders to receive a $20 million grant-making fund from philanthropist Melinda French Gates. Dr. Alfiee discusses the state of youth mental health, particularly for intersectional youth of color, the biggest challenges facing young people today, how the conversation around youth mental health has changed in recent years and how she hopes to use the new funding to make a difference in young people’s lives.