Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

As we commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, we must acknowledge the progress and challenges in Hispanic and Latinx mental health. Today, almost 20% of the U.S. population identifies as Hispanic or Latinx (2020 U.S. Census), yet this community faces unique barriers to mental health services and care. Below, we’ll delve into the advancements and continuing ...

Machismo, a term with roots deep in Hispanic culture, encapsulates traditional notions of masculinity, emphasizing attributes such as strength, honor and dominance. The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI) recognizes the rich tapestry of cultural traditions but acknowledges that, sometimes, the undue stress of certain societal expectations can manifest in mental health challenges. Through our ongoing ...

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is a time to appreciate and celebrate the colorful cultures, rich histories and diversity of the American Latino community. Every year, we come together to honor the community’s history, heritage and contributions, recognizing the impact Hispanic and Latino Americans have had on ...

The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI) is committed to fostering the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth, a particularly vulnerable population in Central Pennsylvania. We believe that creating a nurturing and accepting environment can significantly improve their mental health outcomes. Within this article, we share actionable advice for allies, parents, educators and mental health ...

On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the news that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on June 19. Read more about the historical legacy of the holiday at ...

At the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI), we advocate for the creation of a mentally healthy work environment that supports all employees, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. By revising policies, initiating conversations and taking proactive action, Central Pennsylvania businesses can foster a more inclusive atmosphere. “At PPI, we understand the intricate interplay between mental ...

Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI) is proud to advocate for accessible, inclusive mental health care for all. We understand that for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community, finding resources tailored to their unique experiences and needs can be a challenge. That’s why we’re dedicating this blog post to sharing a list of ...

As Pride Month unfolds, a time dedicated to celebrating victories and acknowledging the struggles of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community, we must shine a spotlight on an issue often not spoken about enough — transgender mental health. At the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI), our commitment to deepening the understanding of ...

As we navigate our way through the 21st century, we recognize that the promotion of understanding and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations is more important than ever. Among these orientations, bisexuality is one that often tends to be misunderstood or even stigmatized, leading to several misconceptions. At the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI), we aim ...

Celebrating Love and Self-Acceptance As we enter Pride Month this June, it is a time to commemorate the leaps in progress that have been made since the Stonewall Riots of 1969, but also to remind ourselves of the challenges that remain. It is also essential to recognize the intersection of mental health and the ...

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI) honors the extraordinary contributions of women in health care who have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of mental health and humanity. Their pioneering work challenged the conventions of their time and laid the groundwork for future research and therapeutic practices. Mary Whiton ...

In the journey of parenthood, the arrival of a new baby is often met with joy, celebration and a deep sense of fulfillment. However, for many new parents this transformative period can also bring about unexpected feelings of sadness, anxiety and isolation, signaling the onset of postpartum depression (PPD). The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI), ...

Credit: Ann Taylor-Schmidt / Penn State. Creative Commons. The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI), in the spirit of Penn State’s storied “We Are” legacy, exemplifies unity and inclusivity in mental health care. The “We Are” chant, a beacon of solidarity, finds its roots in a historic stand against segregation by the 1940s Penn State football ...

Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI) is proud to advocate for accessible, inclusive mental health care for all. With the information below, we aim to highlight mental health resources for Black people in central Pennsylvania. The Association of Black Psychologists Family Care, Community Care and Self Care Tool Kit abpsi.org This tool kit is for the ...

Celebrating the Legacies of Bebe Moore Campbell, Herman George Canady, and Mamie Phipps Clark In an era where mental health is increasingly seen as integral to overall well-being, it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Black pioneers in this field. Bebe Moore Campbell, Herman George Canady and Mamie Phipps Clark represent ...

Black History Month, an annual February celebration, acknowledges the profound impact and contributions of Black people to the United States. Initiated by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 and set in February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, it has grown into a national acknowledgment of the struggles, achievements and ...

We are excited to announce that Dr. Janet Passley-Clarke has accepted the Vice Chair of Diversity role for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health! Dr. Passley-Clarke began her career at Penn State Health in 2017 and holds the role of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice Manager and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral ...

The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI) is at the forefront of addressing mental health challenges in the Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities, with Dr. Janet Passley-Clarke leading significant initiatives. With over 25 years in mental health, Dr. Passley-Clarke brings a wealth of experience and insight to her work for the central Pennsylvania ...

Today, we would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all the employees and clients who have served in the military. We want to thank you for your dedication, sacrifice and commitment to our country. Without your bravery and selflessness, we would not be able to enjoy the ...

When it comes to health care, one of the most vulnerable populations in Central Pa. is the Hispanic community. Particularly concerning is the treatment of mental health within this demographic. The potential language barrier, coupled with the cultural nuances, can create significant hurdles in ensuring effective communication and treatment. Harry Padilla, the Chief Nursing ...

Evalina “Evey” Santos started her career at Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI) as a front desk receptionist in 2020, moving on to the current position created just for her a year later. Evey is currently a Certified Tech and Resource Coordinator for the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) program. As a Resource Coordinator, she does the ...

Our team was honored to participate in the Pride Festival of Central PA. Engaging with our vibrant community reaffirms our commitment to providing comprehensive, inclusive mental health support. Your voices and stories inspire us and strengthen our resolve. At PPI, we continue to uphold an environment where acceptance and support are paramount. Here’s to ...

In a discussion with Shenendoah “Shen” Podolak, Intake Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI), we gained valuable insights into how PPI is shaping an inclusive and supportive environment for their diverse patient community, particularly LGBTQ+ patients. “At PPI, we’re trying to enhance awareness and disseminate information about LGBTQ+ issues. There are many questions ...

Beb Moore Campbell was an advocate who worked diligently to shed light on the mental health needs of the Black and other underrepresented communities. Because of her work, Congress formally recognized July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face regarding ...

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month. A month for celebrating and recognizing the contributions and influence of Asian and Pacific Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States. Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI) celebrates our Asian patients and staff, by committing to learning more about them each year. ...

This year for Women’s History Month, we want to highlight women who have impacted the daily lives of Pennsylvanians and improved our world. Keiko Okami, the first Japanese woman to obtain a medical degree from a Western university, paved the way for future generations. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s important to remember ...

This year for Women’s History Month, we want to highlight women who have impacted the daily lives of Pennsylvanians and improved our world. Rachel Carson was a writer and environmentalist born in the small town of Springdale, Pennsylvania. Her impact on the world of environmentalism is still felt today, and her pioneering work in ...

This year for Women’s History Month, we want to highlight women who have impacted the daily lives of Pennsylvanians and improved our world. Rebecca Lukens was a leader in the male-dominated field of steel manufacturing. She has been recognized as the first female CEO in the United States, and she ran the Brandywine Iron ...

This year for Women’s History Month, we want to highlight women who have impacted the daily lives of Pennsylvanians and improved our world. Dr. Ala Stanford is a distinguished pediatric surgeon who has dedicated her life to advocating for health equity and social justice. As the founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, she ...

This year for Women’s History Month, we want to highlight women who have impacted the daily lives of Pennsylvanians and improved our world. Admiral Rachel L. Levine, MD, is a highly accomplished physician and public health expert who has significantly contributed to the medical field throughout her career. As a transgender woman and a ...

The final athlete we are highlighting in this year’s Black History Month series is an athlete that some consider the first in a year that encouraged several athletes start discussing their mental health (like Simone Biles). In May 2021, Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open to protect her mental health. ...

As we continue to highlight Black athletes open about their mental health for Black History Month, we want to also talk about the strives the other team that made it to Super Bowl LVII is making towards bettering their players’ mental health. Understanding the importance of mental health, the NFL and NFLPA announced a ...

This year for Black History Month, as we highlight Black athletes who have been open about their mental health struggles, we could not help but tie it in to the big sporting event that also happens this month: Super Bowl LVII. For the first time in NFL history, two Black quarterbacks are starting: Kansas ...

This year for Black History Month, we want to highlight Black athletes who have been open about their mental health struggles. Simone Biles shocked the world when she withdrew from the team competition at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Although she was previously open about anxiety and panic attacks prior to the Olympic games, ...

Lilian Comas-Diaz: Researcher for Multicultural Care During National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15, 2022, we celebrate Latinx leaders who have had a lasting impact on the world of phycology. The final person we want to highlight this year is Lilian Comas-Diaz, PhD. American psychologist and researcher of multiethnic and multicultural communities, she was ...

First Latina Leader: Dr. Melba Vasquez During National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15, 2022, we celebrate Latinx leaders who have had a lasting impact on the world of phycology. Today, we are highlighting the first Latina president of the American Psychological Association (APA), Melba J. T. Vasquez, Ph.D., ABPP. Dr. Vasquez has authored ...

“It ought to be the duty of the public officials to take pains to see that men help one another, that no one is oppressed, no one wronged by an unjust condemnation and that the strong come to the assistance of the weak in order that the body of citizens may grow in love ...

The Hispanic Clinic with Dr. Diaz During National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15, 2022, we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Hispanic champions who have inspired others to succeed. To start off, we want to highlight one of our own, Ailyn Diaz, MD, who has been a part of our team since 2015. ...

Advocates and experts share their stories and speak their truths about mental health issues in the Black community. From the trauma of racism to the alarming increase in suicide among Black youth and the stigma that stands in the way of life-saving mental health awareness and support, these messengers of hope are raising their ...

When Joseline Castanos’ daughter was hospitalized for a suicide attempt, she vowed to fight for her and find the right care. Two of the biggest barriers she faced were the stigma surrounding mental health in the Hispanic/Latinx community, and the scarcity of culturally competent care. Through NAMI, she found a safe place, support for ...

Nao Gamo is a neuroscientist and entrepreneur who speaks about living with bipolar disorder. While experiencing an episode of mania, she ended up accumulating an expansive collection of hats. Her experience led to her wanting to educate about how mental illness can manifest uniquely in people and that there is nothing to be ashamed ...

NAMI is working to change the way mental health and suicide crises are handled in the U.S. This short clip introduces 988, a new 3-digit number, available 24/7 in every community by Summer 2022. This crisis response system is geared to help anyone in crisis and reduce law enforcement involvement. In collaboration with Dauphin ...

What questions we should be asking ourselves and loved ones about mental health? The NAMI Medical Director outlines things to look out for and beneficial things we can do in this short clip.

This year for Black History Month, we will be highlighting different mental illnesses each week and two prominent members in the Black community who have spoken out about their experiences with them. We aim to highlight that even though someone has a mental illness, they can still be successful. Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, ...

During Black History Month, we are highlighting some of the top Black professionals in the mental health field that many have not heard of. Today we are highlighting the first Black male and female to receive their PhD in psychology. Francis Cecil Sumner, PhD, and Inez Beverly Prosser, PhD. America’s first black female psychologist, ...

This year for Women’s History Month, we are highlighting different women each week who, although you may have not heard of previously, have contributed greatly to society. The final woman to be highlighted this month is Martha Bernal, the first Latina to receive a PhD in psychology in the US. Bernal grew up in ...

This year for Women’s History Month, we are highlighting different women each week who, although you may have not heard of previously, have contributed greatly to society. Third to be highlighted is Thai Lee, CEO of IT provider, SH International. Lee was Born in Bangkok, Thailand but spent most of her childhood in South ...

This year for Women’s History Month, we are highlighting different women each week who, although you may have not heard of previously, have contributed greatly to society. This week we are shining light on Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three women who played a vital role in advancing NASA’s missions. These African ...

This year for Women’s History Month, we are highlighting different women each week who, although you may have not heard of previously, have contributed greatly to society. Second to be highlighted is Lucy Stone, a leading suffragist, abolitionist, and vocal advocate promoting women’s rights. She studied school at Oberlin College and was the first ...

This year for Women’s History Month, we are highlighting different women each week who, although you may have not heard of previously, have contributed greatly to society. First to be highlighted is Katalin Karikó, PhD, for her contributions to mRNA technology and the COVID-19 vaccines.Dr. Karikó is a biochemist, adjunct Professor of Neurosurgery and ...

This year for Black History Month, have been highlighting different mental illnesses each week and two prominent members in the Black community who have spoken out about their experiences with them. We aim to highlight that even though someone has a mental illness, they can still be successful. Michael Jackson, aka the King of ...

This year for Black History Month, we continue highlighting different mental illnesses each week and two prominent members in the Black community who have spoken out about their experiences with them. We aim to highlight that even though someone has a mental illness, they can still be successful. Brandon Marshall was one of the ...

This year for Black History Month, we will be highlighting different mental illnesses each week and two prominent members in the Black community who have spoken out about their experiences with them. We aim to highlight that even though someone has a mental illness, they can still be successful. Earl Simmons, better known by ...

This year for Black History Month, we will be highlighting different mental illnesses each week and two prominent members in the Black community who have spoken out about their experiences with them. We aim to highlight that even though someone has a mental illness, they can still be successful. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is ...

A biography of Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, a towering and inspiring figure in the field