Last month, we put the call out to volunteers as 1M4 underwent one of our biggest projects to date: updating our mobile crisis unit and community response guide.
The work was heavy. But as volunteers made call after call, it also shined a light on just how important the work is. With First Response Teams popping up more and more around the country, it’s vital that we understand the process of tapping into these resources so that we can better serve and support those who need it.
The last thing we want is for someone to call for help only to be overwhelmed by red tape and hoops they must jump through. Which brings us to why we’re sliding in your inbox today.
Have you or someone you know called a first response team for support during a mental health emergency? What was that like? Do you feel like it helped, hurt, or stalled the situation? If you’re comfortable telling us, hit the reply button and give us the tea. Share how the experience made you feel and the outcome, good or bad.
Your experiences and expectations can help us better understand how to advocate for you and those in need as we work to reshape mental health resources in America.
“I believe that telling our stories, first to ourselves and then to one another and the world, is a revolutionary act. It is an act that can be met with hostility, exclusion, and violence. It can also lead to love, understanding, transcendence, and community.”
— Janet Mock
Sista Spotlight
Meet Our Board of Directors
1M4 recently voted in our organization’s new board members!
Meet our team of Sistas below and be sure to click the button to read their stories and learn more about their commitment to creating lasting change at 1M4.
Tansy McNulty
President
Veranda Quarles
Treasurer
Makeda Brown
Secretary
Laurie Walker Hall
Member at Large
Case Update on Xzavier Hill
Through the Life After Impact Foundation, Xzavier’s mom, LaToya is raising funds by selling tshirts and sweatshirts.
*Tshirts and sweatshirts are available in different colors*
This is Life After the Impact’s first fundraising campaign. The money raised from this campaign will only go towards legal action and systemic reform.
Their goal is to sale 50 shirts!! Can you help them reach the goal? Currently they have sold 20 shirts and today is the last day in this campaign!
Legislative Policies to Watch:
This bill became law on 10/7/23 and requires a health care service plan or health insurer, on or before January 1, 2025, to develop a maternal and infant health equity program that addresses racial health disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes through the use of doulas.
We care about the total health of Black maternal figures so surviving and thriving post birth is extremely important to us. We hope more states tap into doula care to save lives.
Article of the Week
Check out what we’re reading and make sure to hit reply and tell us your thoughts!
“She Made Me Seen and Heard”: Black Doulas That Can Help Mom & Improve Birth Outcomes
A Mental Health Tip For You!
Having or watching someone you love experience a mental health crisis can feel like a paralyzing situation. You don’t want to escalate, but you’re also unsure how to de-escalate. Here’s a reminder that it’s not on you to do that, Sis. Whether you’re having it or loving on someone who is, your job is to ensure you know the resources available to you to get the help or guidance you need.
Calling 988 is the easiest and fastest way to tap into that help. By dialing that number, you’ll be connected to mental health professionals trained in de-escalating situations and more likely to know of first response teams in the area who can be dispatched should you need it. And if you’re unsure what qualifies as a mental health crisis, take a look at this article describing the warning signs in yourself and others to look out for.
Spread Some Blessings!
The consequences of police violence extend far beyond the loss of life. For families affected, it’s the loss of income, the sacrifice of basic necessities, and the start of a high-cost legal fight. If you have the capacity, consider donating to 1M4. Proceeds help support impacted families and sustain the work of 1M4 toward ending police violence for good.
Before you hit that reply button (or if you’re nervous about hitting that reply button), we want you to know this: we’ll never share your stories and experiences without your consent.
At all times, we are here for you. If you’re willing to allow us to amplify your story, let us know when you reach out. If not, we’ll keep it close to our chest as we learn from it but always protect it.
Your Sis In All Of This,
