By Mia Moody
The Waco Central Texas Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has partnered with several organizations during its 50th anniversary to offer programming for mental health awareness targeting the Black community.
“With African American youth committing suicide at the highest rate in America since the coronavirus pandemic struck, it is time for us to band together as a community to address the global mental health pandemic that has emerged alongside the coronavirus pandemic, with both disproportionately affecting the African American community,” said Cris Houston, Waco-Central Texas Chapter’s Mental Health Chair.
Along with Mentor Waco and Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network, the Waco-Central Texas Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has partnered with various community organizations to sponsor seven programs this service year, including film discussions, voter registration drives and workshops. Programming includes information on PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicide awareness, and processing trauma in our Black communities.
“Through mental health awareness programming for both youth and adults, we seek to combat the stigma surrounding mental illness and to connect our community with much-needed mental health care resources,” Houston said.
Chapter Vice President Debra Simmons Evans said the series is integral to the Waco Central Texas Links Chapter’s Health & Human Services and 50th-anniversary programming.
“In our 50th year of serving Central Texas, WCT is collaborating with new community partners to address major issues in our communities and to have more collective impact,” Evans said. “This is our opportunity to celebrate our efforts to enhance the quality of life in the Waco Central Texas community for several decades.”
“Mental Health programming is something I have long been passionate about with the hopes of a program launch in 2023, but Link Cris has truly been the spark needed to bring the program to where it is now,” Chapter Health and Human Services Chair Terri Woods-Campbell said.
“Our mental health program's success has been due to her efforts in combination with the HHS facet members collaboration, support and encouragement,” she said.
The Waco Chapter was chartered in May of 1974, and it serves the following Central Texas communities: Marlin, Hearne, Calvert, Waco, Killeen, Temple, and other nearby areas.
“As a chapter, we strive to enhance the quality of life of individuals,” said Waco Chapter President Sandra Forsythe. “We provide programs that impact their health, education attainment, living conditions, and economic status by providing better education opportunities and advocating for legislation to improve overall quality life for all.”
Signature programs include the Fall into Reading Literacy Program, a partnership with Killeen ISD; the ACE Baylor Links Digital Media Program, a collaboration with ACE, Baylor Journalism and Calvert ISDs; the Healthy Heart program, a partnership with Baylor Scott and White Hospital Temple, and the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Dental Program.
“Members of the Waco Central (TX) Chapter are grateful for the support provided by community advocates and allies,” said Demetra Kennedy, Facets Chair. “Without them, our chapter programs would not be possible.”
The chapter will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a lineup of events, including a sock collection-donation drive, community service activities, and a movie filming—culminating with a gala in May 2025.
“There is no better way for us to celebrate our 50th Anniversary in this service area,” Evans said.
Please visit wacolinks.org for more information about partnership opportunities or to become a sponsor of the 50th Anniversary event.
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