#TheDayWithTrae - Dr. Jason Clark, Executive Director of Northwest Credible Messenger, joined guest host Omari Salisbury on The Day With Trae to discuss the organization's unique approach to community building and behavioral health. Dr. Clark explained that Northwest Credible Messenger focuses on healing the local Black and brown communities and relieving them of negative generational cycles.

Dr. Clark talked about the Credible Messenger’s Barber and Beauty Shop Behavioral Health Project, which trains barbers and beauticians to become certified peer counselors. Dr. Clark noted that this program addresses the stigma of mental health and wellness in Black and brown communities by meeting people where they are comfortable. He explained that by offering training and tools, the professionals are equipped to share resources and expertise with those in need. 

With a sense of pride, Dr. Clark emphasized that the organization’s success is built on the philosophy that "relationships produce results." This manifests not only in connecting community members to vital resources but also in building strategic relationships with systems, citing a new behavioral health project in juvenile institutions. The organization works to overcome the significant barriers holding Black and brown people back by embodying the mantra: "There's power in presence."

Learn more about Dr. Clark and his mission at Northwest Credible Messengers at northwestcrediblemessenger.org. Check out their podcast, “Credible Conversations,” and follow Northwest Credible Messenger on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Catch The Day With Trae weekdays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.