#United States #mental health #Monroe #Substance Use #NEDHSA

NEDHSA Launches NED Talk Series: Mind the Gap

The Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NEDHSA) is taking a bold step in addressing critical issues in youth mental health and substance use with the launch of its NED Talk Series, a new initiative aimed at fostering open discussions and promoting awareness across Northeast Louisiana. The series will kick off on November 1, 2025, at the Monroe Civic Center.

This inaugural event, held in partnership with The Jones Center of Arts and Academic Excellence, is titled "Uncovering the Hidden Struggles of Youth Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Community Safety." With the increasing mental health challenges facing today's youth, these talks are designed to create a platform that encourages dialogue around these pressing societal issues.

Addressing Core Issues

The NED Talk series will include a series of workshops that will tour through East Carroll, Madison, Franklin, Ouachita, and Lincoln Parishes. During these sessions, various stakeholders, including parents, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and youth organizations, will collaborate to address the underlying factors contributing to substance abuse and community health challenges.

Key topics will focus on identifying social norms, family dynamics, and trauma's role in these issues. Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, NEDHSA's Executive Director, emphasized, "NED Talks strengthen our coalition-building and prevention efforts. Alcohol and substance abuse prevention is at the core of our mission, and these discussions help amplify our message and promote proactive solutions."

Focus on Community Engagement

The event emphasizes the importance of community involvement in tackling these issues. For many youth, the pressures they face today—from social media influences to academic demands and exposure to violence—can be overwhelming. NED Talk aims to provide a safe space for discussing these challenges openly and collectively finding actionable solutions.

Featured speaker Nick Young, a licensed therapist and co-founder of Black Boy Therapy, stated, "This event serves as a rallying point for our community. We are declaring that our children are brilliant, beautiful, loved, and worthy. Through this engagement, we will foster growth and strengthen the bonds within our community."

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session covering:

• - The correlation between untreated adolescent mental health issues and youth violence.
• - The impact social media has on teenagers' emotional well-being.
• - Recognizing the subtle signs of distress among adolescents.
• - Collaborating on intervention strategies for youth dealing with substance abuse.

Dr. Alicia Jones, founder and board president of The Jones Center, recognized the urgency of this initiative, commenting, "It is time to unite as a community to confront the significant challenges that our youth face. This event marks the beginning of a productive series of engagements aimed at equipping parents, educators, and community members with essential tools to support our youth."

Looking Ahead

As the NED Talk series unfolds, it promises to be a transformative effort in addressing community health and mental wellness issues. By cultivating dialogue and connection between various stakeholders, NEDHSA hopes to build a supportive network for youth, ensuring that they have the resources and community backing needed to thrive.

By fortifying community engagement while addressing the root causes of these pressing issues, NEDHSA aspires to create an environment where every individual can reach their fullest potential, fostering a healthier and more unified Northeast Louisiana.