Behavioral Health Equity: A Social Justice Matter (Part 1)

Workshop Description

The current COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated long-standing disparities in our country. Consequently, the term social justice has justifiably been invoked in many arenas of concern in an urgent call for redress. This workshop will focus on behavioral health care, recognizing that individuals’ mental health is directly affected by injustice, racism, and disparities across many dimensions of our society.

The five principles of social justice will be explored as a framework to promote the redistribution of opportunities, resources, and power:

1. Access to resources
2. Equity
3. Participation
4. Diversity
5. Human rights

These principles will be applied to behavioral healthcare to identify strategies that promote improved well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Please note: This is a 4-hour session split into 2-hour sessions over two days. You must complete both days to receive a certificate.

Workshop Instructor

Patricia Hill

Hill is a mental health professional, licensed clinical worker, and educator with 30 years’ experience working in a variety of settings including schools, universities, hospitals, private practice, and community service boards. She recently retired from the position of Prevention Manager at Henrico CSB. She received a B.A. in Liberal Arts and African American studies from Fordham University in New York and a Masters degree and Doctorate in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has worked with youth and families in Harlem, N.Y, Richmond, Chesterfield, and Henrico developing and managing programs to build individual, family and community assets. She has instructed undergraduate and graduate students at three Virginia universities with the goal of inspiring professional growth, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving to address economic and social justice issues and promote healthy communities. She currently serves on the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) Partnership for Equity Advisory Committee to advance racial equity.