Reducing Environmental Stress Together

AFAHO’s Wellness Program, REST (Reducing Environmental Stress Together) utilizes a community behavioral health care model that aims to overcome barriers and expand access to services for greater Philadelphia’s African and Caribbean immigrant and refugee (ACIR) communities. ACIRs are critically underserved through existing behavioral health services, most of which are not culturally, linguistically, or economically accessible to this community. The goals of the REST program include demystifying and destigmatizing behavioral health and connecting ACIR community members who are experiencing low-intensity psychosocial problems with culturally and linguistically appropriate services that will promote positive behavioral health experiences and reduce the hesitation toward accessing support and care. Services are offered in 5 languages and include both individual and group sessions with therapists from the ACIR community who are familiar with the cultural nuances of the target group.

AFAHO developed the REST program after hosting several focus groups and listening sessions with community members whose contributions served as the guide to creating the most relevant and acceptable intervention. Community conversations yielded important insights and data on the importance of confidentiality, psychoeducation, developing community supports and networks, and the lack of a credible, tailored diagnostic tool for measuring well-being, which were all incorporated into the program design.