In an era where mental health awareness is taking center stage, community organizations play a pivotal role in ensuring that individuals of all backgrounds receive the support they need. One such organization, the Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center (GBCGAC), has embarked on a remarkable journey through its “Healthy Minds Project,” aimed at addressing the mental health needs of Chinese-speaking Asian seniors in the Boston area.
Overcoming the Stigma: Breaking Silence in the Asian Community
Mental health challenges within the Asian community have often been shrouded in silence and stigma. Cultural nuances and the fear of being judged have deterred many from seeking help. However, the Healthy Minds Project is changing that narrative. Megan Cheung, the Associate Director of GBCGAC, emphasizes how the project is addressing this issue: “Our team understands the importance of culturally sensitive and bilingual support. We provide a safe space where individuals can openly discuss their mental health, free from stigma and judgment.”
Personalized Care for Mental Well-being
The Healthy Minds Project comprises two main components, each designed to promote the mental well-being of participants. The first component offers personalized one-on-one case management assistance to 100 participants, enabling them to address specific issues and maintain their mental health.
In the first half of the year, the program provided case management services to a total of 65 participants. These participants have experienced significant improvements in their well-being. Among them, 65 individuals now feel more informed about their health and well-being, experiencing heightened self-worth.
Cheung further explains, “Our trained project coordinators assess the mental health needs of our participants, providing counseling, assistance, and referrals. They coordinate healthcare services, arrange appointments, and assist with medication management. In essence, they work collaboratively to develop feasible action plans tailored to participants’ daily lives.”
Empowering Through Support Groups and Workshops
The second component of the Healthy Minds Project focuses on support groups, empowering seniors to raise awareness and effectively manage mental health issues. Cheung adds, “Our support groups offer mutual support, shared experiences, and coping strategies. They facilitate learning to identify mental health symptoms, prevent and reduce them, and provide a platform for attending health talks by professionals.”
Through a series of workshops, support groups, and case management services, the project has already achieved numerous milestones. Workshops significantly improved participants’ understanding of mental illness and equipped them with effective coping strategies. The introduction of support groups fostered open discussions and empowered participants to support one another. Participants expressed genuine appreciation for the compassionate case management services, strengthening their commitment to seeking mental health support.
Empowering Asian Seniors
The GBCGAC’s Healthy Minds Project is breaking the silence surrounding mental health in the Asian community and making a profound impact on the lives of Chinese-speaking Asian seniors in the Boston area. By providing culturally sensitive and bilingual support, it is empowering individuals to overcome the stigma associated with mental illness.
Sherry Dong is the Executive Director of Community Benefits and Community Health Initiatives at Tufts Medical Center of Tufts Medical, a financial underwriter of The Healthy Minds Project. Lisa Hy is Program Manager of Community Benefits and Community Health Initiatives at Tufts Medical Center of Tufts Medicine.
