Brookland-Lakeview Launches Mental Health Awareness Initiative with New Project Coordinator

Exciting News from Brookland-Lakeview: A New Initiative for Mental Health Awareness!

Brookland-Lakeview, get ready to embrace some heartwarming news! The Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center (BLEC) has appointed Reverend Dr. Jeffrey A. Howard as the new project coordinator for its Mental Health Awareness Initiative. This announcement comes straight from the desk of Executive Director Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton, who expressed her enthusiasm for what Dr. Howard brings to the team.

“We are pleased to have a professional with a stellar record of success join our leadership team,” Dr. Richburg Cotton noted. “Dr. Howard is uniquely qualified to spearhead our efforts to tackle mental health issues in our communities.” This initiative is particularly crucial as mental health has become a significant concern worldwide, and BLEC is committed to making a real difference.

Leading the Charge on Mental Health Training

As project coordinator, Dr. Howard will take the lead in the mental health first aid training program. His main focus will be coordinating training sessions with various community partners, all aimed at raising awareness and understanding around mental health disorders. “I am extremely excited about this opportunity to serve our targeted communities,” he said. “It is a critical time for training as we strive to eliminate misinformation and reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders.”

Dr. Howard brings an impressive background to this role. Most recently, he worked as the Emmanuel McCall Initiative Consultant at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in Decatur, Georgia. There, he founded the inaugural South Carolina Racial Justice Leadership Cohort, a program dedicated to educating communities on racial justice issues. He also played a vital role as a consultant for the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN), where he created and implemented educational programs addressing vaccine hesitancy—such a hot topic lately!—and focusing on improving vaccination rates in underserved areas.

A Deep Commitment to Community Empowerment

Before his roles in Georgia, Dr. Howard made a significant impact at Welfare Baptist Church in Belton, South Carolina, where he served as the Minister of Christian Education and Outreach. During his time there, he led the Health and Wellness Ministry, implementing programs that tackled diabetes management and weight loss. His dedication to health and wellness is truly commendable!

Dr. Howard’s experience doesn’t stop there! From 2008 to 2021, he was a project facilitator for F.A.I.T.H. Celebrate Recovery, where he built strong partnerships with local religious leaders and community advocates to enhance the South Carolina HIV/AIDS spiritual outreach initiative. His work is a testament to his commitment to community empowerment and education.

A Scholar and an Advocate

Certainly, Dr. Howard’s background is impressive. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Family and Church Education and Bible from Columbia International University in South Carolina in 2014. Following that, he achieved a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. He didn’t stop there; he also received a Master of Sacred Theology and finally completed his Doctor of Ministry at the Interdenominational Theological Center and Morehouse School of Religion in Atlanta, Georgia in 2022.

His hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed; Dr. Howard has received numerous honors, including the 2024 Brenda Kneece Social Justice Award, the South Carolina Afterschool Leaders Empowered Fellow for 2023, and the South Carolina Mayor’s Community Partnership Award, just to name a few!

Join the Movement

If you’re interested in participating in these free mental health first aid trainings, Dr. Howard encourages you to reach out! He can be contacted at 803-744-1961 for the office or 803-445-7548 on his mobile. You can also drop him an email at jhoward@brookland.cc.

It’s always a great time to prioritize mental health and support one another in our communities. As Brookland-Lakeview moves forward with this initiative, it’s clear that the aim is to foster understanding, kindness, and support for everyone. Let’s rally together and make our community an even better place to live!