(GARDEN CITY, N.Y.) – Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages (D – Valley Stream) was a featured speaker during a fireside panel discussion at the third annual “BreaKING the Ice” Black Men’s Mental Health Conference at Adelphi University on Saturday, April 27.
In his remarks, Legislator Solages discussed the vital role of social services in our greater society and the successful advocacy by clinicians and the Democratic Minority caucus to give a raise to practitioners who contract with the County to deliver physical, speech, and occupational therapy services to babies and toddlers under age 3 with disabilities and developmental delays.
In addition to Legislator Solages, the Fireside Chat featured nationally recognized anti-violence crusader Erica Ford, former CEO of LIFE Camp, Inc. (pictured above); Dr. Jonathan Quash, University Executive Director of the Black Male Initiative Program; Kevin Livingston, founder of 100 Suits; New York City Councilman Kevin Riley, co-chair of the Council’s Black, Latino and Asian caucus.
“Social workers are on the front lines of our efforts as a County to protect the welfare of our children, strengthen our families, and help them navigate the most challenging crises imaginable,” Legislator Solages said. “Their efforts are a cornerstone of our response to America’s growing mental health crisis, and it is imperative for us as a government and a society to support their work in any way we can. I am grateful to the social workers who helped to organize ‘BreaKING the Ice’ and appreciate their invitation to participate in such a vital forum.”
The panel was the cornerstone of a daylong seminar during which scholars, and practitioners with expertise in policy development, practice, mental health, prevention, intervention, and education discussed key challenges facing Black men in the pursuit of mental health care. Dr. Anthony Estreet, CEO of the National Association of Social Workers, was the plenary speaker of the event, which was presented by the Adelphi School of Social Work and Modify Wellness, Inc. and sponsored by the Wishnick Lecture in Human Services.
PHOTO CREDITS – Office of Legislator Carrié Solages