Dr. Brandy Holloman worked in adolescent and sexual health for over 17 years as a public health educator, sexuality educator, trainer, and technical assistance provider. What she enjoyed most about this work is speaking up for those whose voices are often silenced because of their age and stage in life. Having had the opportunity to be a trusted adult in the lives of the young people she taught or the adult learners she empowered to communicate with young people openly was the highlight of her career. Dr. Holloman stated “When my time in the subject matter ended, I expanded my training and technical assistance to rural healthcare delivery and health equity. Being a product of a rural community (just over 1,000 residents and less than 13% of the population being black or brown) and seeing firsthand the inequities still faced in these communities heightened my interest in addressing their needs. I also mentor and motivate the future public health workforce as an adjunct professor at Trident University. This role allows me to guide the health profession’s future in tangible ways.” Dr. Holloman brings all her years of experience to varies projects across to Change Matrix
What drew you to CM?
Change Matrix appealed to me due to its work in health equity and mental health and its priority for staff mental and emotional health. Equitable healthcare and public health practices have been needed for far too long, and CM seems to be on the precipice of breaking down barriers through education, evaluation, and practice. This was a compelling reason for my transitioning into my role at CM.
I am new to mental health, but coincidentally, I was faced with having to access the 988 mobile crisis response system on behalf of a loved one. The 988 hotline was new, and my family just happened upon the resource when we were in dire need of support for a loved one in need. See, this loved one fell into various marginalized and disenfranchised communities as a person of color, female, older adult, lower socioeconomic status, deaf or hard of hearing, physically disabled, and on government financial and medical assistance. This loved one was struggling with mental health and physical health issues, which made it challenging for the family to provide adequate care and support. We were at a crossroads, full of fear and uncertainty at this time. We were ill-equipped to handle both the physical and mental health needs of this loved one and were in desperate need of help.
Even with this experience, we banded together to find resources and happened upon 988. It was an excellent opportunity for my loved one to express their concerns and needs at an objective party, although I felt the root cause was not addressed. What it taught me is that we are all still learning in this process (including the 988 system of care) and that grace is needed as we all navigate the needs of many dealing with or managing mental and behavioral health concerns. I cannot and will not go into more detail about the situation, but even as a caregiver, I wanted to be invisible for a long while and not have to feel the burden that was impressed upon me.
I believe CM could contribute to the cause by first offering resources and information so that I can be a better and more understanding caregiver. I am not as quick to rush to judgment as before. Instead, I operate with care, concern, and mercy. Second, I am learning and growing as a professional in the mental health space. Once I get over the hump of feeling like the new kid on the mental health block, I honestly feel I can contribute so much from my own experiences, but I want to do so thoughtfully and respectfully to those in my life. Third, I have an innate ability to connect with people in a way that allows them to experience comfort and support in taking baby steps or significant steps to get where they want to be in their mental health services. Though soft skills, interpersonal skills are skills I relish, and CM is a great place to explore this more. With this, it may be my calling and the right time and place to transition!
What is your role at CM?
I am a change consultant at CM, focusing on training and technical assistance in the Crisis and National Training and Technical Assistance Centers. I hope to contribute to the field by connecting parent/caregiver communication and response, promoting anti-racism and anti-bias, and offering practical program planning and implementation strategies.
Which project or assignment are you most excited about?
I am working with the Crisis TTAC on Embedding Equity projects by leading/co-leading Learning Collaboratives for organizations looking to integrate equity into their work. I also contribute to NTTAC through blogs and co-leading the provision of podcasts. I am most excited about contributing to the field my lived experiences as a caregiver of someone experiencing mental health challenges. Providing practical communication tips, strategies, and connections to resources for parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults managing young people’s mental health and crisis needs is one of the most exciting opportunities for me at CM. I may not know a lot about mental health, but I do know how hopeless I felt when helping my loved one and how I do not want others to feel that helpless.
Why did you choose equity work?
Equity in healthcare in rural communities, communities of color, and poor people or those on fixed incomes continues to be an unmet need. Thankfully, the federal government and agencies such as CM have made considerable strides in propelling health equity to the forefront. I choose equity work because I believe we should live in a society where EVERYONE has a fair chance at reaching their full potential, including the full potential of living a fulfilled life healthfully. In my black community, located in a rural area, it is far overdue for us to be seen, heard, and responded to appropriately, regardless of the issue. What I learned from my experience with my loved one is that the rural community is still in need of education, resources, and adequate services to manage the desperate cries of those suffering from mental health issues. I choose equity work because I want everyone to have a fair chance at life and live without the fear of having their life snuffed out due to a lack of understanding. I do not want people to be yet another statistic in someone’s “say her/his/their name” campaign due to a lack of understanding, training, or affordable services for those suffering in silence or openly. I do not have all the answers, but I am willing to learn, grow, and impact, and CM is a great place to do so. Like my photo feeding my favorite animal, the sloth, I will be deliberate in approaching this work, intentional in each step I take, and slow to react but quick to understand.
