ACPHC was founded by a focus group representing the faith-based leaders, businesses, service providers, community leaders, organizers, and advocates as a result of the growing suicide incidents in the most African communities in Los Angeles. The urgency, as identified by Department of Mental Health and the communities, to address mental health and wellness in the African immigrants urged the collaboration and the formation of the African Communities Public Health Coalition (ACPHC).
The Executive Director and the volunteer board members, who are African descendants and speak over ten different African languages, are responsible for implement organization’s strategy and structure. We promote, develop, and implement culturally competent community defined practices in order to provide the best service delivery. All of the board members with community advocates organize African Communities through a grass roots effort, meeting people where they already are located and provide culturally appropriate mental health trainings.