Speaking Up to Dismantle Mental Health Stigma

Advocacy and education services led by Dr. Chioma Ahaiwe in Riverside and the Inland Empire

You may work in a school, nonprofit, faith community, or organization that serves populations affected by mental health and substance use concerns but lacks the tools to talk about these issues openly. Stigma keeps people silent, and silence keeps people stuck. In Riverside and across underserved communities, mental health education is often absent from the spaces where it is needed most.

Mending Health Care offers advocacy-focused virtual and in-person outreach services that include speaking engagements, workshops, conference presentations, and interviews led by Dr. Chioma Ahaiwe. These sessions address mental health literacy, substance use disorder awareness, recovery pathways, and the importance of culturally responsive care. Dr. Ahaiwe brings both clinical expertise and lived advocacy experience to every engagement, reinforcing the message that diagnosis does not define identity and that recovery is possible.

If your organization in Riverside is looking for a speaker or facilitator who can connect with diverse audiences and spark meaningful conversation, contact Mending Health Care to discuss your event or initiative.

What outreach sessions cover and how they are delivered

Dr. Ahaiwe tailors each presentation to the audience and setting, whether that is a community health fair in Riverside, a professional conference, a high school assembly, or a virtual or in-person panel discussion. Sessions may cover topics such as recognizing early signs of mental health struggles, understanding the link between trauma and substance use, or creating supportive environments for youth and families in crisis.

After an outreach session, attendees often report feeling more confident in talking about mental health, better equipped to recognize warning signs, and more willing to seek help or refer others to care. The goal is not to train clinicians but to normalize conversation, reduce shame, and increase access to accurate information.

Engagements can be delivered virtually or in-person depending on logistics and audience size. Dr. Ahaiwe also accepts invitations for podcast interviews, webinar series, and collaborative projects with organizations focused on mental health equity. These sessions are not scripted lectures but interactive opportunities to address real questions and shift perspectives in communities that have been historically overlooked.

Organizations and event coordinators often have logistical and content questions before confirming an outreach engagement. Here are answers to common questions about booking Dr. Ahaiwe for speaking or workshop facilitation.

It helps to know what to expect before booking

Topics include mental health stigma, substance use disorders, trauma-informed care, youth mental health, recovery advocacy, and supporting underserved communities. Content is customized to fit your audience and goals.
What topics can Dr. Ahaiwe speak about?
Sessions range from 30-minute keynote talks to 90-minute workshops with interactive discussion. Length and format are determined during the planning conversation.
How long do outreach sessions typically last?
Both formats are available. Virtual and in-person sessions work well for broader audiences, while in-person engagements in Riverside or nearby areas allow for deeper group interaction and Q and A.
Can sessions be delivered virtually or in-person or do they require in-person attendance?
Reach out through the contact page with your event date, audience size, topic focus, and preferred format. You will receive a response within a few business days to discuss details and availability.
What is the best way to request Dr. Ahaiwe for an event?
Sessions are designed for schools, nonprofits, community organizations, faith groups, and professional audiences seeking to improve mental health literacy and reduce stigma in the populations they serve.
Who benefits most from these outreach sessions?

If you are organizing an event in Riverside or beyond and need a speaker who can address mental health and substance use with clarity, empathy, and cultural awareness, reach out to Mending Health Care. Dr. Ahaiwe is committed to empowering communities through education and honest conversation.