NATIONAL MINORITY/BIPOC MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH - FEATURE OF THE WEEK No. 4 (7.31.23)

                 

                                                             

                                                           FEATURE OF THE WEEK

Jacki McKinney, M.S.W. 

Ms. McKinney was a survivor of trauma, addiction, homelessness, and the psychiatric and criminal justice systems. She was a family advocate specializing in issues affecting African American women and their children and is a founding member of the National People of Color Consumer/Survivor Network. Ms. McKinney was a consultant and advisor to the Center for Mental Health Services and is well known for her moving presentations to national audiences on issues such as seclusion/restraint, intergenerational family support, and minority issues in public mental health. Additionally, Ms. McKinney was a proud recipient of Mental Health America's highest honor, the Clifford W. Beers Award, presented to a consumer of mental health and/or substance abuse services who best reflects the example set by Beers in his efforts to improve conditions for, and attitudes toward, people with mental illnesses. She was also the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration's Voice Awards program which was presented to her for her distinguished leadership and advocacy on behalf of trauma survivors.