Nationwide — Rhonda Smith, Executive Director of the California Black Health Network (CBHN), has announced a Virtual Behavioral and Mental Health Conference on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, bringing together leading experts to address some of the most urgent and often overlooked mental health challenges facing Black communities. Registration is now open.
The conference focuses on the alarming rise in toxic stress, suicide rates among Black men and boys, and increasing cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Currently, the rate of Black Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia is almost twice that of White Americans. These interconnected issues, frequently minimized or ignored in mainstream conversations, have profound impacts on the well-being, stability, and longevity of Black individuals and families.
The half-day solutions-driven conference will explore the links between chronic stress, behavioral health, and cognitive decline and will provide culturally relevant strategies for healing, prevention, and community resilience. The conference, held during Mental Health Awareness Month, will explore culturally relevant solutions for healing and resilience. This is especially important as Black mental health in California and across the country is marked by persistent challenges and disparities. According to the University of California, Los Angeles, California Health Interview Survey, about 18% of Black Californians have seriously thought about committing suicide, and more than 27% of those with serious psychological distress report not having a usual place to go for help and support.
“Black communities continue to shoulder disproportionate mental health burdens that are rooted in systemic inequities, trauma, and limited access to culturally competent care. This conference is designed to shine a light on these disparities while elevating actionable solutions and pathways toward wellness,” said CBHN’s Executive Director, Rhonda Smith.
A Call to Action for Equity, Awareness, and Healing
The 2026 CBHN Behavioral and Mental Health Conference aims to educate, inform, and empower practitioners, community members, thought leaders, policymakers, and researchers, and individuals who are committed to protecting and expanding behavioral healthcare access in California to address health disparities and promote equitable healthcare solutions. The conference will offer robust discussions, community-centered insights, and evidence-based approaches to strengthen mental health outcomes throughout California’s Black communities. Attendees will gain tools to foster resilience, support families, and advance culturally relevant care.
Featured Speakers and Thought Leaders at the conference are:
• Curley Bonds, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
• Tina Houston Armstrong, Ph.D., CEO Living Connected Psychological, Inc.
• Monica Caffey, Ph.D., Academic Program Director & Professor, National University; Mental Health Advocate
• Kris Bennett, Global Director, Health Equity Initiatives & Men’s Health – Movember
• George Woods, M.D., Chief of Clinical Innovation – Felton Institute
• Le Ondra Clark Harvey, Ph.D., CEO, California Behavioral Health Association; Executive Director, California Access Coalition
• Event Moderator: Shacunda Rodgers, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founder and Executive Director, Holding Space
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Virtual)
Event Registration: https://bit.ly/CBHN-VBMHC2026
Registration Fee: Early Bird – $40 for BHN Members, $60 for non-BHN Members, available until April 1, 2026. After April 1, registration fees are $50 for BHN Members and $75 for non-BHN Members. Become a BHN Member here.
For sponsorship opportunities, click here, or contact events@yourcbhn.org
For more information and questions, contact the California Black Health Network (CBHN) at events@yourcbhn.org, (916) 333-0613, or visit the event webpage at Hidden Crises—Stress, Mental Health & Brain Health in the Black Community – CA Black Health Network.
About
The California Black Health Network (CBHN) is the only Black-led state-wide organization dedicated to advancing health equity for all Black Californians. For more than 40 years, CBHN has worked to improve the health and well-being of Black Californians. CBHN’s mission is to advance health equity for Black Californians by improving health literacy, strengthening community power, and advocating for protecting the health and healthcare of our community.
For press inquiries, contact Cheryl Brownlee, CB Communications at cbcommunications@ymail.com or (510) 813-2122
Source: BlackNews.com
