Episode #166: The Heartfelt Narratives of Severe Mental Illness in the Black Community

On this week's episode of Dr. P on the Pod, Dr. P discusses severe mental illness and how greatly it challenges diverse communities. As mental health awareness continues to grow in the United States as a whole, African American communities continue to have trouble getting the right care and resources.Dr. P is joined by Pastor Shirley Wilkins McFarlin and Cassaundra “Cassie” Hayes , who give their heartfelt testimony relating to their personal and professional experiences with mental health. Lastly, they will talk about how important it is to get more churches in African American neighborhoods to support mental health education.This podcast episode is sponsored by Janssen Neuroscience as part of "The Community Health Equity Alliance." Bio Pastor Shirley Wilkins McFarlin is the co-founder Ray of Hope Christian Center in Whitakers, North Carolina, with her husband, Pastor McFarlin. Shirley knows she can do all things through Christ, who strengthens her, as a breast cancer survivor and person who has battled with mental illness.Cassaundra "Cassie" Hayes: After trauma, drug abuse, drug use, depression, and a planned suicide attempt, Cassaundra Hayes was born again on September 29, 1990. Evangelist Hayes is an ordained minister who serves at Genesis Victory Outreach Center, Inc. by ministering the Word of God, teaching Sunday School, and leading Bible study.