UMass MIND Community Initiatives
The UMass MIND program is the community outreach program of the Psychotic Disorders Program that stands inclusive of all individuals with mental health challenges and their allies.
The UMass MIND operates the Community Intervention Program (CIP) to address unmet needs of individuals living with serious mental illness and the social determinants of health impact the quality-of-life of these community members. The mission of CIP initiative is for the creation of a more mindful Worcester by providing various supports and informational opportunities for everyone invested in the mental wellness of our community. We stay committed to the local Worcester and central Massachusetts community in which we live and work and appreciate the diversity of voices within the mental health community.
The Community Intervention Program (CIP)
CIP currently consists of the following five modules:
The Lifestyle as Medicine module is for individuals to establish healthy lifestyle changes via recovery and support-based discussions and activities with a focus on making healthy food choices and increasing physical activity.
(The picture above features some of the participant-chefs at one of our seasonal cooking workshops we hosted at the Genesis Club in Worcester.)
The Arts and Music module is for individuals to harness and express their creative abilities and talents while offering a platform for social interaction via art or music therapy groups, and Dual Diagnosis Theatre drama therapy.
(The picture above depicts the wonderful works of art produced by the participants of our first guided-imagery paint therapy event.)
The Early Detection and Intervention module presents an opportunity for young individuals exhibiting early signs of psychosis to collaborate with mental health care providers to improve access to treatment options.
(The photo above was taken at an education event we hosted at Assumption College for student counselors from local colleges on the importance of early psychosis detection and screening.)
The Diversity and Inclusion module shares stories of individuals coping with mental illness that feature different cultural and lifestyle perspectives. It seeks to connect culturally diverse and aware clinicians with patients belonging to or identifying with any demographic seeking compassionate mental and physical health care.
(The above photo was an instagram post from @projectharmonious, a program designed to share stories and encourage mental health seeking behaviors in individuals of Chinese heritage.)
The Community Education and Support Module presents an opportunity for individuals living with serious mental illness and their families to receive education and support in areas including mental health, self-care, and community integration.
Click here for a brochure on our community initiatives!
