Building Community Engagement

Part of the overall mission of BHN is to extend the system of care for under/uninsured individuals who struggle with behavioral health concerns. Through community engagement and education, we work to build trust and positive relationships that support treatment and recovery needs while also reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. The development of a coordinated, accessible, and accountable system of behavioral health support services paves the path for community members to reach their highest potential. BHN embraces new ideas and innovative ways to address critical issues. When organizations collaborate and envision what is possible, better community outcomes prevail.

Bridges to Care & Recovery 

BCR supports the behavioral health assessment, treatment and recovery of individuals through partnerships with the African American faith community. BCR mobilizes churches in the North St. Louis City and County, providing mental health training and skill building so they can serve as personal mental health educators and advocates. Referral Coordinators provide guidance and referral to behavioral health and other services as needed.

Pastoral Toolkit

This toolkit was created to empower pastors
and faith leaders with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to address mental health and behavioral health within their congregations and local community.

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Program Overview

Key goals of the project

Church Engagement

BCR provide training and support to pastors and volunteers (called Wellness Champions). Once churches engage in the program, they can continue to benefit from receiving training and resources offered to new churches. In 2022, BCR celebrated training more than 100 churches! For more information on the history of BCR, click HERE.

Training

Topics for the core training include Mental Health First Aid, Companionship Ministry, Trauma Awareness, Resource Education, Opioid Use Disorders, Coping With Grief, and more. Topics are added as new community issues are identified. An advanced training track is available for experienced volunteers.

Wellness Champions

More than 300 volunteers have completed the BCR training and have made a commitment to help reduce the stigma of mental illness in their congregations and beyond. They share resources and host educational and depression screening events.

Referral Coordination

BCR staff and trained wellness champions provide linkage and referral to services including behavioral health and substance use treatment, and other community resources.

Email

Tamela Wright

Director of Community Initiatives

Facebook Group

Check out our Facebook group for events.
View Annual Report
BCR Church Network
view Impact Statement

Upcoming Events

Bridges Events

View Calendar

Established in 1994, Saint Louis MHB is an independent government taxing authority on a mission to improve the quality of life for city residents by investing and participating in a coordinated system of social, behavioral, and physical health services aligned with community priorities.

The mission of Missouri Department of Mental Health is serving, empowering, and supporting Missourians to live their best lives.

Bridges to Care and Recovery Program is funded by both the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the St. Louis Mental Health Board (MHB).