When facing challenges, many women of color experience stigma, shame and isolation especially when these challenges are related to mental health, stress and trauma. Suppressing emotions, pretending everything is alright when it isn’t and putting others needs before your own can be difficult coping strategies to change – these habits are familiar, safe and for many, part of who we are. It can be difficult to break the silence, speak up and ask for support, but not impossible, and that’s why HERR Health created Support Groups specifically designed to address your personal needs. Our groups are led by Certified Peer Support Specialists with lived experience involving mental health challenges, trauma, adverse childhood experiences, stress and grief. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Get the support you deserve. Learn the skills and strategies needed to live a healthier and empowered life.
SurvivorShift is a six week curriculum based health education program for women with a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) seeking support, information and strategies to live a healthier life. Although ACES are very common, few women understand how ACES can impact health years after childhood. Unfortunately, unrecognized or undertreated ACES leave many women stuck in a cycle of stress, trauma, fear and poor health. Through the guidance of an experience Peer Facilitator and in a safe and nurturing environment, women will learn the core strategies of SurvivorShifting, a set of stress management techniques designed to reframe how you process and identify with the painful experiences of your childhood.
Over half of African American women have hypertension, high blood pressure, and many are unaware they have it or are aware but not able to control or manage the condition. Uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk for cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 infection. Women enrolled in the HERR Health Hypertension Coaching Program will participate in group health coaching, learn how to manage hypertension and take part in group activities related to stress management. Women will discuss the impact of gender roles, racism, sexism, stress and health. The program is facilitated by a Community Health Worker. Participants will also learn how to self monitor their blood pressure.
You are the epitome of a PHENOMENAL woman. Friends and family often count on you to share powerful words of encouragement or wisdom. You’ve overcome trauma and adversity to rise to a level of success and responsibility. Illness could not stop you – you are healthy, strong and vibrant – beating the odds when even the doctor thought you would not make it. Sister you are a MastHERR – a community leader, a health and wellness advocate, a role model and other women need to hear your story and learn from you. HERR Health offers training and a platform for empowered women to connect with women in their own community to advance health equity. A wide range of health inequities exist that far too often place a disproportionate burden of poor health on women of color. No woman should navigate her health journey alone. Equipped and empowered, MastHERR Health Advocates bridge the gap created by medical distrust, provider miscommunication and implicit bias. MastHERR Health Advocates learn the communication skills, health promotion strategies and health education tools needed to overcome common obstacles that often leave women hesitant and doubtful about using their voice and story for positive change. Learning alongside other likeminded women, you will develop supportive relationships that will ultimately provide you with the inspiration, encouragement and power essential for facilitating your own MastHERR Class.
