Women’s Fund Invites Mental-health Professionals to Virtual Community Discussion

SPRINGFIELD — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts has invited local mental-health professionals and the community to a discussion on mental health and women who are black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) on Thursday, Oct. 21 at noon.

The event will feature Whitney Dodds, founder and CEO of Wellness for the Culture LLC; Ysabel Garcia, founder and owner of Estoy Aqui LLC; and Jenise Katalina, co-executive director for the Women of Color Health Equity Collective.

This discussion will include insight on how to support others through their mental-health and wellness journey, how to seek services that integrate into a regular self-care routine, and connections between generational trauma, grief and loss, carrying multiple responsibilities, anxiety, and depression.

“We’ve seen the studies how women of color have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic,” Katalina said. “This conversation brings us together to recognize that we are not alone, to say what is being left unsaid, and to explore how we can support each other.”

Guest speakers will also talk about local resources specifically for BIPOC women and gender-diverse individuals, as well as existing barriers to seeking access to care, including systemic oppression and concern for communal and familial shame. For access to this virtual event, visit www.mywomensfund.org/event/wait-what-oct21.