Through the Lens of Compassion

Sandy Hook Father and Brain Researcher Keynote Speaker for NAMI Regional Conference.

Bottom row (L-R): Verita Woods, Dr. Jerry Richman, Terry Bellamy, Mary Harmon,
Berta McCallum. Second row: Sharon Pitts, Karen Cowan, Raynell Cook,
Cora Baten Harper, Barbara James. Back row: Jim Pitts, Trey Mourey, Marshay Proctor-Bates, Jamil Pitts.

“Through the Lens of Compassion: Responding to Mental Health Issues in Our Community” was the timely theme of an important event held Saturday, April 28 at First Baptist Church in Asheville. The NAMI Regional Conference was sponsored by the NC office of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-NC), in partnership with several NAMI affiliates in WNC. North Carolina has 30 NAMI affiliates.

Keynote speaker Dr. Jerry G. Richman, Ph.D., addressed “Preventing Violence—Building Compassion.” A neuroscientist by training, Dr. Richmond is one of a small group of scientists whose research focuses on the question of how violence and other forms of abuse affect the functioning of human brains.

Dr. Richmond’s deep connection to the topic of violence and mental illness is profoundly personal: his young daughter Avielle was one of the children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. He and his wife Jennifer started the Avielle Foundation dedicated to understanding the biological and environmental factors that can impact the brain and lead to violent behavior. They seek to build communities where all individuals are included, given a contributing role, and kept safe.

His presentation identified risk factors for developing violence in humans as well as protective factors that favor the development of persons who are more likely to become collaborative and compassionate. Risk factors include Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) such as physical, emotional, and sexual violence; household dysfunction or neglect; poor nutrition; environmental toxins; violent media; injuries to the brain; genetic factors, etc. All these factors have negative effects on the brain health.

The good news is that—given proper conditions—the brain often has the capacity to overcome negative influences. For example, one recent study followed incarcerated youth who had committed horrible crimes and then received two years of intensive treatment. Over a five-year period following their release from prison, only a very few of the youth were re-incarcerated.

Our goal in society should be to build strong kids. Strong children have self-mastery and emotional intelligence. They can set and achieve goals, delay gratification, recognize and regulate their emotions, and recognize and appropriately respond to the emotions of others. These are all skills that can be learned.

Karen Cowan, Clinical Director at Brandi Nichole Family Enrichment Center.

Karen Cowan, founder and Clinical Director of Brandi Nichole Family Enrichment Center, was also present to explain professional foster care services that her organization offers to families and agencies. The African American community is often underserved in the field of child development and mental health issues; Ms. Cowan’s presence and leadership in this area is of importance in combatting that reality.

Also in attendance at Saturday’s conference were representatives of the Asheville chapter of AKA Sorority, Inc., who for several years have partnered with NAMI WNC to increase mental health awareness and reduce stigma among African Americans in Asheville and Buncombe County. As NAMI members and supporters know, the challenge of reducing violence and building compassion cuts across all income, race, and ethnic populations in our nation. It was particularly gratifying to see racial diversity at this Asheville area conference.

About NAMI

NAMI is a grassroots organization whose membership is comprised largely of families and individuals whose lives have been significantly impacted by mental illnesses such as chronic depression, bipolar, obsessive-compulsive behavior, schizophrenia, ADHD, and PTSD. Begun by non-professionals in 1979, local NAMI affiliates are peer-run volunteer organizations that offer free, evidence-based mental health education programs and support groups. The strength of NAMI programs comes from specially trained members whose lives have been impacted by mental illness and who have benefited from NAMI membership.