SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – Research shows that people of color are less likely to use mental health services and several barriers may contribute to this. But one local entrepreneur is working to empower the Black community.
Caddo Parish military wife and teacher Ladonna Welch is on a mission. She is the founder and CEO of the Ebony Notes app.
“Ultimately, I just want to have a way to support the Black community in a multi-generational way,” Welch said.
Welch suffered from postpartum depression after having her second child. Suffering in silence, she said, in the black community the topic of mental health is often avoided.
“In our homes we didn’t talk about therapy, we didn’t talk about counseling, it was all about staying strong, hiding your pain, and I think that plays a big role in the stigma,” she said. she declared.
And it was out of pain that Ebony Notes was born. It’s an app designed to address the challenges associated with accessing traditional resources, something the community desperately needs, according to Welch.
“When I wanted to reach out and ask for help, one of my criteria was I was looking for someone who looked like me, who had a similar background to me, because I felt like they would be able to get along better, and I was in Colorado Springs at the time and that was something I couldn’t find,” Welch explained.
“We still see the struggles of many African Americans facing different types of mental health issues, who feel the need to come forward. When it comes time to find someone, if their insurance even allows them to have a variety of people to choose from, they have a hard time finding someone they can really sit down and connect with, and this no one will completely validate them. and not at some point pivot to a point of ‘Oh, I understand you, but I really don’t understand you,'” said Dr. Latienda Pierre, racial justice coordinator for TWCA Northwest Louisiana.
The app offers resources such as meditation, mental health and youth services, and offers daily positive affirmations in a range of categories, tailored to address barriers faced by the Black community. Not only did the app win the UPS Small Business Award, taking home a $25,000 grand prize, but Welch was also able to participate in Denver Startup Week, an opportunity to share his app with others.
“I want to be part of the solution and make change,” Welch said.
And the community support has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s still so positive. It’s people thanking me for what I do, which makes me feel like I’m on the right track and doing something that will make a change,” Welch said.
MIND MATTERS
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