Karon Hopkins, a clinical counselor at the Tri-County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, recently graduated from the inaugural African American Behavioral Health Diversity Leadership Fellows Academy.
Based out of the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, the mission of the African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence is to help transform African Americans, making them safer, more effective, more accessible, more inclusive, more welcoming, more engaging, and more culturally appropriate and responsive. Intended for behavior health professionals who identify as African American, the AABH-DLFA supports the individual uniqueness of the African American culture, norms, values, and morals that may be antithetical to the organization in which they serve, to enhance the capacity and strengthen the networks of early careers that are underrepresented in the behavioral health field.
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Hopkins was one of only 16 professionals across the country invited to join the pilot program and the only professional from South Carolina.
He participated in leadership development and networking activities for seven months, including a six-day immersion training in Delray Beach, Florida; six 90-minute virtual seminars; and eight one-on-one mentoring sessions with an experienced behavioral health professional. All fellows were required to complete a results-based service project.
Hopkins researched and organized a lunch and learn for behavioral health professionals in which he presented his project “Strengthening Cultural Humility as Human Service Professionals.”
On Sept. 20, the fellowship program concluded with a graduation ceremony in Kansas City, Missouri.
“We are extremely proud of Karon” said Mike Dennis, executive director of the Tri-County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. “This is a prestigious program and to be one of only 16 professionals across the US selected to participate is quite an honor. Karon is an excellent clinician, and this experience will only enhance his skills and the services he provides in our community.”
When asked about his experience with the fellowship, Hopkins said, “My takeaway was finding your True North, which combines my beliefs, purpose, and values. I have learned that even with passion and purpose, it is important to practice self-care, self-direction, self-discipline, self-knowledge, and self-love. We can acknowledge our strengths, share our gifts, and manage our emotions. I understand the importance of networking with other professionals since it reminds us that we are not alone. I strongly believe this fellowship will support our agency’s efforts to promote cultural humility and address cultural biases.”
