In partnership with local radio personality and entrepreneur Wayne “Wild Wayne” Benjamin, Jr., University Medical Center New Orleans (UMC) launched “Vital Signs,” a comprehensive mental wellness campaign that will run through Dec. 13. This campaign, designed to bring to light mental health issues affecting the New Orleans community will focus on topics such as stress, trauma, depression, generational trauma, grief management, and holiday stress, all of which are significant to our community.
Wild Wayne will be the driving force behind the “Vital Signs” campaign. Through a series of videos, interviews, and social media posts, Wayne will lead residents in conversations about mental wellness. These videos will feature hospital clinicians, consenting patients, and administrators sharing tips, resources, and personal stories, all aimed at empowering the community to prioritize their mental health.
“Partnering with UMC on this campaign means so much to me because mental health affects us all,” said Wild Wayne. “Our communities, especially the Black community, have been through a lot, and it’s time we start talking about it openly. Through this campaign, we’re breaking the stigma and showing people that help is right here, affordable and accessible.”
The “Vital Signs” campaign will address mental health challenges during the holidays, a time often marked by stress and loneliness. It will also tackle the unique challenges affecting underserved communities, such as generational trauma and systemic pressures.
“Vital Signs” will also feature content aimed at reducing the stigma around mental health in communities of color. The campaign will provide specific resources and tools to help families address and break the cycles of generational trauma. It will be available across multiple platforms.
“We want to let people know that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but of strength,” said John R. Nickens IV, president and chief executive officer of UMC and president of hospital services at LCMC Health. “Vital Signs is about offering hope, showing that support is here, and demonstrating that mentalhealth care is affordable and accessible for everyone in New Orleans.”
For more information about the UMC “Vital Signs” visit https://www.lcmchealth.org/university-medical-center-new-orleans/.