Mental health campaign brings resources to Central Florida's Haitian community

New mental health campaign brings resources to Central Florida's Haitian community

AdventHealth and Heart of Florida United Way partnered for the third consecutive year

AdventHealth and Heart of Florida United Way partnered for the third consecutive year to introduce the next phase of a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at encouraging Central Floridians to discuss mental health through a new campaign tailored to the Haitian community, “Viv ak lapè nan lespri w.”

The campaign features a new website, www.AnnKoze.com, which can connect individuals to mental health hotlines, suicide and crisis prevention resources, tips and advice for starting conversations and handling difficult situations.

Parents and caregivers looking for pediatric mental health services, can work through AdventHealth for Children’s care coordinators who will help make appointments, find community resources and navigate the health care system.

This campaign is an adaptation of the “Be a Mindleader” movement, which helps children and parents feel more comfortable discussing mental health.

“At United Way, we stand up for everyone in our community,” said Jeff Hayward, President and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way.

“That’s what makes this campaign so important. Viv ak lapè nan lespri w is about empowering our Central Florida Haitian community to start the conversation around mental health so vulnerability is seen as strength and openness is met with trust.”

Among Haitian Creole-speaking communities, cultural stigma is often the most persistent barrier to mental health care. Deeply rooted in long-standing cultural beliefs, this stigma often prevents open dialogue and discourages individuals from seeking support.

AdventHealth and Heart of Florida United Way are working to destigmatize and normalize conversations about mental health.

“Launching this campaign in Haitian Creole, in collaboration with Heart of Florida United Way, marks a meaningful step forward in breaking down barriers and encouraging open conversations around mental well-being,” said Christin Ray, executive director of behavioral health for AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division. “By offering resources that honor cultural identity and lived experiences, we are reaffirming our commitment to eradicate stigma and elevate mental health as a vital part of overall wellness. This initiative is another way we’re living out our promise to care for the whole person- body, mind and spirit- across the communities we are part of.”