Asheville, N.C. — Mission Hospital hosted “Healing in Every Voice: A Conversation on Mental Well-Being” as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, bringing together healthcare professionals, community organizations and local leaders for an important discussion about mental health needs in marginalized communities.
Sponsored by Mission Hospital’s Cultures & Values Council, the event focused on increasing understanding of the unique mental health challenges experienced within Black, Hispanic and LGBTQ+ communities and the importance of culturally responsive support and care.
The panel discussion featured representatives from Sweeten Creek Mental Health and Wellness Center (SCMHWC), Umoja Health, Wellness & Justice Collective, Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS), and Asheville City Council Member Bo Hess. Sarah Moffitt of SCMHWC served as moderator. Panelists discussed the unique challenges, solutions, and opportunities to strengthen support systems and resources across Western North Carolina.
Leaders highlighted the importance of ensuring patients have access to mental healthcare resources at every stage of need, from crisis intervention to long-term recovery and wellness support. Sweeten Creek Mental Health and Wellness Center, a part of Mission Health and HCA Healthcare, provides services designed to support patients throughout the entire lifespan of care, including emergency and acute inpatient psychiatric services as well as preventative, outpatient and stabilizing care.
As part of the event, Mission Hospital and the HCA Healthcare Foundation presented a $25,000 grant award to NAMI Western Carolina to support the organization’s ongoing mental health education, advocacy and support programs in the region.
Robin Payne, Executive Director of NAMI WNC, said that “HCA Healthcare Foundation has supported the growth of NAMI programs and curriculums on multiple occasions, and we are excited to expand our national youth curriculum “Ending the Silence” to school and youth-facing organizations in this region.”
Attendees also participated in a volunteer activity writing encouraging cards and letters for individuals struggling with mental health challenges, reinforcing the event’s focus on compassion, connection and community support.
The program also highlighted the importance of recognizing mental health as a key component of overall wellness. According to information shared during the event, mental health conditions affect approximately one in five adults annually and are closely linked to physical health outcomes, including heart disease, weakened immunity and chronic illness. Organizers emphasized that mental health conditions are treatable through approaches including therapy, medication, lifestyle changes and social support.
Mission Hospital leaders said the event reflected the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of patients, colleagues and the broader community through education, collaboration and outreach.