AdventHealth and Heart of Florida United Way bring mental health awareness campaign to the Haitian community

Orlando, Fla. - AdventHealth and Heart of Florida United Way are partnering 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.”

This campaign is an adaptation of the “Be a Mindleader” movement, which, since its launch two years ago, has helped children and parents feel more comfortable discussing mental health and has connected hundreds of families to counseling services. Last year, “Be a Mindleader” was also transcreated into a Spanish-language campaign titled “Lidera ConscienteMENTE.”

Addressing mental health through a multicultural lens is a critical component of the “Be a Mindleader” campaign and key to reaching as many people as possible, with Spanish and Haitian-Creole being the most-spoken languages in Orlando after English.

“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.”

About 1 in 5 adults are diagnosed with anxiety or depression, and every 11 minutes, someone dies by suicide in the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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.

Inspired to make meaningful change in the Haitian community and fueled by the belief that mental health is as important as physical health, AdventHealth and Heart of Florida United Way are committed to doing their part to destigmatize and normalize conversations about mental health. According to the American Psychiatric Association, talking about mental health is one of the best ways to reduce the stigmas surrounding it, foster hope and encourage individuals to seek care.

“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.”

Launching this week, the campaign’s website, www.AnnKoze.com, can connect individuals to:

• Mental health hotlines
• Suicide and crisis prevention resources
• Tips and advice for starting conversations and handling difficult situations

In addition, for parents and caregivers in need of pediatric mental health services, AdventHealth for Children’s care coordinators can help individuals make appointments, find community resources and navigate the health care system.

Families can access mental health care at AdventHealth for Children’s nationally recognized comprehensive mental and behavioral health practice in Winter Park. Made possible with a $6 million grant from Dr. Phillips Charities, the expanding program can connect families to counseling services and other crucial mental health resources right away.