Nancy's Roots of Healing Journey

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Nancy's Roots of Healing Journey

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Hello! My name is Nancy Carter. I am a semi- retired business professional who is also a passionate advocate for persons, and their families living with mental illness. For decades, I have worked tirelessly to educate, support, and bring hope to those challenged with brain disorders. I am dedicated to helping find a cure for these devastating disorders and eliminating the stigma of mental illness.

 I currently serve on the Boards of Directors of Mental Health America California, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) West side-LA, and Step Up on Second. In 2003, I founded and served as executive director of NAMI Urban LA. For the next seven years,I taught classes in mental health to hundreds of families, lectured throughout the United States and developed outreach programs targeted to help underserved communities. In my travels and even today, I have worked extensively with mental health professionals to find balanced, holistic treatment for clients and families.

In 2006, I travelled to Senegal, West Africa visiting hospitals and clinics. While there, I spoke with numerous Western trained physicians and indigenous healers hoping to find information on methods of treating persons with brain disorders. The variety of treatment models opened my eyes and the “Roots of Healing in Ethnic Cultures” project was conceived. By connecting those diagnosed with mental illness to their “roots”, thencombining Western and traditional healing practices, produces a unique setting, in which the “route” to wellness could be found.

A decade after my visit to Senegal , Ihave the opportunity to return to Africa and continue the journey. One of those particularly interested in “Roots” is my colleague, Altha Stewart, M.D., current secretary of the American Psychiatric Association.  Dr. Stewart, a past president of the Black Psychiatrists of America and founding member of the Council of Elders, has invited me to participate in the African Global Mental Health Institute’s Conference on The African Diaspora in Capetown,  South Africa next month on November 17 and 18.

The trip is partially funded by the Institute, but I am in need of funds for air travel and related costs to cover expenses for my extended study of traditional healing. During my time in Senegal,I attended the annual conference ofPrometra, an international NGO made up of 28 African states whose mission is to preserve traditional healing practices in the Diaspora. I would like to travel from South Africa to Mozambique and Uganda, then back to Senegal  wherePrometra has major chapters to expand my knowledge base and explore the possibility of opening treatment centers in one of these locations.

“Roots of Healing” is my bucket list project! I am an elder with limited resources seeking help from my friends and colleagues to make this dream of recovery for all come true. My trip is currently budgeted at $7500. I will expand or limit my trip as funds permit, take  photos, post, blog at least once a week if not more  and keep everyone updated on my progress via social media and email. Thank you for your help!!

 

 

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Nancy Carter
Organizer
Santa Monica, CA
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