JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The City of Jacksonville is launching a program to help address a side-effect of violent crimes -- specifically, the impact it can have on our youth and our community.
Mental health care is just as important as physical well-being. That’s the message that leaders from the City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and the Church of Oakland Baptist Church wanted to share on Wednesday morning during a press conference at the Church of Oakland in Jacksonville’s Eastside.
Constance Hall is chair of the city’s Safety and Crime Reduction Commission, who led the announcement of more efforts to raise awareness.
“Jacksonville is my home and because it’s my home, I’ve seen, unfortunately, deterioration in some communities,” she said.
Hall is now focusing on how to get help people connect with professionals.
“We’re looking now at targeted neighborhoods. How can we get the resources there?”
To get the word out, you will see buses with the #ENDSTIGMAJAX on the side. Bus drivers and employees at bus stations will be able to direct people to mental health resources and guidance.
Meanwhile, people have been going to the Church of Oakland for guidance for almost 142 years. The community landmark is now led by Pastor Christopher McKee.
“It’s part of our church DNA to be concerned with these kinds of issues,” McKee said.
Though he grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, he can relate to the struggles kids here experience.
“If you have grown up in any of an urban space or part of your childhood, you have been exposed to violence and the trauma associated with that is deep,” he said.
When asked what got him through that, he pointed to, “Faith, family, [and] having someone to talk to.”
And so others have someone to talk to, on February 26, the church will host a community event with JTA from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.
You will also see events pop up in Arlington, New Town, and Durkeeville. Specific details will be announced online at COJ.NET/SCRC.
“It’ll be almost a block-party feel,” McKee described. “An opportunity for people to learn about mental/emotional wellness.”
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