Photo: Norman Y. Lono/Daily News

The black church has traditionally been the backbone of the community as the epicenter of support, guidance and fellowship. One of the challenges that the institution and the black community as a whole often grapple with is how to provide support for individuals who are dealing with addiction, depression and other mental illness. Rev. Michael Walrond of the historically black First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem is doing his part to change that conversation. “There’s a normalization of trauma in this community,” he said in an interview with DNAinfo. “We don’t engage it, we don’t address it.” He went on to say, “The traditional response was to pray about it. Not to negate that, but that’s not the same as having a mental health practitioner.”

Walrond has intentionally nurtured a culture of transparency for his congregants around issues of mental health, often sharing his personal struggles with depression. “As a pastor, I’ve always talked about it from the pulpit,” he said, “When you hear the pastor talk about it from the pulpit, it makes it easier. They feel affirmed.” As a tangible extension of this ministry, on Thursday the pastor opened a mental health care center dedicated to compassionate care. The HOPE Center, which stands for “Healing On Purpose and Evolving,” will provide services for children and adults.

The church's associate Pastor, Rev. Kyndra Frazier, will serve as the center’s executive director. Frazier, who attended Columbia University’s School of Social Work with a focus on mental health, says the center will rely on volunteers and a partnership with Columbia University to provide counseling for those in need. She is particularly focused on helping individuals who have experienced religious trauma. The center has been applauded by the community and local politicians alike.

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Rev. Michael Walrond

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