About the New Mexico Black Mental Health Coalition
The New Mexico Black Mental Health Coalition (NMBMHC) is a 501c3 non-profit organization created to improve the mental health and wellness of Black New Mexicans. This is done by assisting community members to find mental health care, providing educational programs about mental health, and doing research.
Kenneth Winfrey, LCSW is the Interim President of the New Mexico Black Mental Health Coalition. Kenneth has served with past-President Dr. Stephanie McIver on the Board of the Coalition as Vice President, and previously as part of the NM Black Wellness Coalition, which had hosted the Mental Health workgroup that became the Coalition. Kenneth is also the co-founder, CEO, and Director of Clinical Services at Umoja Behavioral Health. Kenneth is a clinical social worker (LCSW) trained at the New Mexico State University School of Social Work.
Kenneth is originally from St. Louis, MO where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Kenneth moved to Albuquerque from Philadelphia shortly after 9/11, and feels since then that the land has welcomed him to be here. His work as an artist, and through service to helping to support the wellness of New Mexicans, are part of how he seeks to return the favor of feeling welcome here--a place of such remarkable beauty and culture. Kenneth's hobbies include African-centered spiritual readings, tropical plants, vegetable gardening, and singing.
Kenneth's goals for the NM Black Mental Health Coalition include:
1. Identify further ways to promote mental health wellness in the Black community.
2. Elaborate upon the mission of the Coalition to further support professional development and advocacy for Black providers.
3. Develop the infrastructure of the Coalition though expanded partnerships with allied professionals and other entities.
You can reach Kenneth Winfrey at 505-663-6645 or via email nmbmhc@gmail.com.
The New Mexico Black Mental Health Coalition (NMBMHC)was founded by Dr. Stephanie McIver, Clinical Psychologist, the first meeting took place in her living room on October 18, 2014. That first gathering was of all the licensed mental health providers and behavioral health workers she could locate because even she was having a hard time finding her peers.
There were 13 people at that first meeting. Since then she has continued her search for others in the Black community who are licensed mental health providers, certified mental health workers, allied staff in mental health facilities, and psychology, counseling, and social work students.
The NMBMHC now has over 100 members and partner organizations across the state of New Mexico.
