The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
Recent research demonstrates that the prevalence of mental illness among racial and ethnic minorities has increased over the past three decades and particularly over the past 12 months. Yet, it has long been noted that major differences exist between males and females in rates of mental illness, mental health service utilization, and mental health outcomes. Given that African American males who occupy both racial and gender categories are known to be at high risk, what are the “clinical justice” implications for working with African American men and boys in the mental health field and behavioral health settings in general?
• Explore how racial and gender disparities are created for African American males in the mental health field.
• Examine specific therapeutic techniques and procedures when working with African American males.
• Describe different levels of practitioner skills and goals when working with African American males.
Registrants who fully attend this event or training will be eligible to receive 1.5 hours of continuing education from Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services. Certificates are sent by the host to all qualifying individuals approximately two weeks after the conclusion of the event or training.
Jewel Woods (MA, MSW, LISW-S) is the founder and clinical director of Male Behavioral Health, an outpatient mental health practice dedicated to addressing the mental, emotional, and behavioral health needs of men and boys. Under his leadership Male Behavioral Health. has grown to three state-wide offices and obtained several major community partnerships including with local school districts. Jewel is a licensed independent social worker with training supervision designation who has over twenty years of advocacy working with and on behalf of diverse individuals and communities. Jewel has a Master of Arts in Sociology and a Masters degree in Social Work. He is a former Ford Foundation New Voices Fellow, a past University of Chicago Minority Scholar Program recipient, and a select member of the Fragile Families Study at Columbia University. Jewel has gained extensive expertise as a therapist working with men and boys for over two decades, and has established himself as an inspirational leader and speaker. He has presented at the United Nations and given talks at colleges and universities across the United States and Internationally. He is also an author and a gender analyst whose views on men and boys in American society have been featured on TV, national news & radio talk programs. His publications have been featured in both academic publications and popular new media including Essence Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Ms Magazine, The Huffington Post, The Dallas Morning News, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Jewel previously served as the Executive Director of Renaissance Male Project Inc., providing overall vision and leadership as the CEO of a growing national organization. His distinguished role included designing and effectively implementing conferences, meetings, and other national events; providing fundraising leadership and board development; organizing and developing volunteer staff; as well as managing multiple initiatives, projects, and programs simultaneously. His passion for eradicating domestic violence and human sex trafficking has made an impact on many lives. Professional, powerful, and genuine, Jewel Woods leads by example and encourages men and boys around him to improve their quality of life and to make a positive change in society.
