STAR Program Joins SUNY Downstate’s Community Healthy Lifestyle Fair
On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the STAR Program will proudly take part in the Community Healthy Lifestyle Fair at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 445 Lenox Road, Brooklyn. This free event runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and brings together families, students, seniors, and neighbors for a day dedicated to health, wellness, and community connection. STAR’s Role at the Fair As part of our mission to provide accessible health education and resources, STAR will be on-site offering: 📸 Plus, don’t miss our interactive photo booth — a fun way to meet the STAR team and learn about our programs. Why This Event Matters Health fairs like this are essential for breaking barriers and making health information more accessible to Brooklyn’s diverse communities. At STAR, we know that wellness extends beyond medical care. It’s about education, empowerment, and connection. Our participation is part of STAR’s ongoing outreach, which includes year-round social media campaigns, community events, and partnerships that amplify prevention, care, and stigma reduction. What Else to Expect In addition to STAR, the fair will feature: This is a free event, and everyone is welcome. Early arrivals can enjoy special giveaways while supplies last. Join Us Come spend the day with STAR and the Downstate community as we learn, connect, and celebrate healthy living together. For more information about STAR services, visit: For more info about this event:https://www.downstate.edu/about/community-impact/health-wellness/events/health-fair/index.html
July Is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: Let’s Break the Silence and Build Support
Mental Health Is Health—For Everyone in Brooklyn Every July, we observe National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to uplift conversations about mental health within our communities, especially among African American, Latino, Caribbean, and other racial and ethnic minority groups who often face unique challenges when it comes to getting care. In Brooklyn, we know that stigma, lack of access, and cultural silence can create serious barriers to mental wellness. National data reminds us just how deep the disparities go: in 2020, fewer than half of African American adults received mental health care. In 2018, Asian Americans were 60% less likely to seek treatment than their white counterparts. This is not because communities don’t care about mental health—it’s because stigma, economic inequality, and systemic obstacles make care feel out of reach. Let’s change that. What Is Mental Health, Really? Mental health isn’t just about diagnoses. It’s about your emotional, psychological, and social well-being—how you think, how you feel, and how you connect with others. When you take care of your mental health, you’re more equipped to handle stress, bounce back from tough times, and make choices that honor your well-being. If you or someone you care about notices changes in mood, energy, behavior, or sleep that last for more than a few days, don’t ignore it. It’s okay to ask for help—and it’s powerful to say something. What Puts Mental Health at Risk? There’s no single cause of mental illness. Some people may experience symptoms for a short period of time. Others may live with ongoing conditions. Risk factors can include: No matter the cause, mental health struggles are real—and recovery is possible with the right support. Mental Health & Women: What You Should Know Women of color often carry a heavy load—navigating cultural expectations, family care, career pressures, and community needs. And it takes a toll. At least 1 in 5 women in the U.S. have experienced a mental illness. The most common include: Anxiety Disorders Women are twice as likely as men to experience anxiety, which can show up as constant worry, panic attacks, or difficulty managing day-to-day tasks. When anxiety gets in the way of work, relationships, or peace of mind, it’s time to seek support. Depression About 1 in 10 women report experiencing major depression each year. Depression can feel like sadness that won’t go away, fatigue, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in things you once enjoyed. Hormonal shifts during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can also play a role. Postpartum Depression The “baby blues” are real—but if sadness or numbness lasts more than two weeks after giving birth, it might be postpartum depression. This condition can affect bonding, self-esteem, and the ability to care for your baby. Help is available through your healthcare provider or the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Tips to Take Care of Your Mental Health Whether you’re managing a mental health condition or just trying to stay balanced, here are some tips to support your emotional well-being: And remember—seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Brooklyn, Let’s Talk About It At the STAR Program, we believe mental health is part of health. Through our STOP Mental Health Stigma campaign, we’re working to build safe spaces for honest conversations, especially in communities of color where silence and shame often hold too much power. This July and beyond, commit to learning more, speaking up, and supporting others in their mental health journeys. Share this blog with your network. Start a conversation with a loved one. Reach out if you need help. We see you. We support you. You are not alone. Need Support?📞 Call NYC Well at 988🌐 Visit www.StopMentalHealthStigma.com for resources, local counseling options, and tools to support your journey. Let’s create a Brooklyn where everyone feels safe to heal.#MentalHealthMatters #StopStigma #BrooklynCares #YouAreNotAlone #MinorityMentalHealthMonth #STOPMentalHealthStigma Adapted from FDA and public health resources, this blog is part of the STAR Program’s ongoing commitment to mental health equity and community empowerment.
🌈 Brooklyn Pride 2025: Join Us to Celebrate Health, Love & Community Just the Way You Are
**Mark your calendars! On Saturday, June 14, the STAR Program, THEO Program, and HEAT will come together for our biggest outreach event of the year—and you’re invited to celebrate with us at Brooklyn Pride 2025! From 11:00 AM on, we’ll be taking over 5th Avenue between Union and 9th Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn, to honor Pride, uplift our communities, and connect you with powerful tools for health, wellness, and self-love. At STAR, THEO, and HEAT, Pride isn’t just about a parade—it’s about visibility, joy, and care. That’s why this year’s theme is simple and bold: Just the Way You Are. We’re creating a space where every identity is affirmed, every voice is welcome, and every person has access to the care and connection they deserve. 💥 What’s Happening: Whether you’re dancing through the day or just stopping by to say hello, you’ll be greeted with smiles, support, and celebration. This is your space—come as you are and leave empowered. Together, we’re building a healthier, more inclusive Brooklyn. Let’s walk in Pride, walk in power, and walk proudly into the future. 📍 Event Details:Saturday, June 14 | Starts at 11:00 AMLocation: 5th Avenue between Union St & 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 📲 A special QR code will be available soon with full event info and direct links to all three programs. Follow along on social media @StarProgramNYC and visit www.starprogram.nyc for updates. You are seen. You are valued. You are celebrated.Let’s make this Pride unforgettable—together. 🏳️🌈
Mental Health Is Health: Uplifting Brooklyn Communities Every Month
At the STAR Program, we believe that caring for our mental health is just as important as caring for our physical health. This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we stand with our Brooklyn neighbors to honor stories of resilience, foster healing, and speak out against the stigma that too often prevents our communities from seeking the support they deserve. Through our STOP Mental Health Stigma campaign, we’re reaching across cultures and generations—from Crown Heights to Canarsie—with one clear message: You are not alone. And your mental health matters. Breaking the Silence: Understanding the Stigma In African American, Latino, and Caribbean communities, mental health is often kept behind closed doors—seen as something to manage alone or push through in silence. But silence is not strength. The STOP Mental Health Stigma initiative challenges these harmful norms. We elevate real voices from our neighborhoods and create judgment-free spaces where conversations about depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma can happen with dignity and cultural respect. NAMI’s 2024 Theme: “Take the Moment” This year, we echo the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in urging everyone to “Take the Moment”: In Brooklyn, “taking the moment” can look like a grandmother opening up to her doctor, a teen writing about their struggles in a journal, or a community leader inviting a therapist to speak at a local church. These moments matter. How the STAR Program Supports You Our STOP Mental Health Stigma campaign is more than a message—it’s a movement. Led by the STAR Program at SUNY Downstate, our team creates culturally relevant resources tailored for the communities we serve. That includes: As Michelle Melendez, MS, LCSW, STAR’s Behavioral Health Director, puts it: “When we create safe, culturally relevant spaces, we make healing possible.” Get Involved: Simple Ways to Support Mental Wellness Here’s how you can join the movement this month—and every month: 💬 Talk About It Start open conversations about mental health with your family, coworkers, or community group. 📚 Educate Yourself Visit www.StopMentalHealthStigma.com or NAMI to learn more about mental health conditions and how to support others. 🖌️ Share Your Story Write a blog, create a piece of art, post on social media—your voice can inspire others. 📞 Use the Support You Deserve Call or text 988 to reach NYC Well, a 24/7 confidential mental health support line. 🤝 Be the Support Someone Needs Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is show up with compassion. Real Voices from Our Borough We’ve heard powerful testimonies from Brooklyn neighbors: Their stories remind us that healing happens when we’re heard—and that no one should face mental health challenges alone. Let’s Keep It Going, Brooklyn Mental Health Awareness Month is a springboard—but the journey is year-round. At the STAR Program, we’re committed to continuing this work every single day, building a Brooklyn where mental health is supported, not silenced. Join us. Share your truth. Support a friend. Visit www.STARProgram.nyc and www.StopMentalHealthStigma.com to learn more. Because mental health is health—and in this borough, no one gets left behind. Need help now? Call or text 988 or visit StopMentalHealthStigma.com for resources, support, and connection.
