For the past three years Affinia Healthcare has worked to expand behavioral health services offered to include men from the community with, A Conversation. This monthly meeting held at the community health center is specifically for men and now has caught the attention of Clayco Cares, a division of the Clayco Foundation.  

A Conversation, launched in 2023, was developed by Affinia Healthcare Outreach Director LaDon Meriweather and helps to further the mission of the organization. Men from a variety of backgrounds gather to discuss important issues, led by a licensed counselor or therapist. With the help of a $20,000 grant from the Clayco Foundation Relief Fund, A Conversation can continue providing support for men. 

“I used to say we didn’t have any support, but I would tell the men as long as we can open this building the last Saturday of the month, that’s all I need,” Meriweather said. “Our group has grown significantly over the last three years, and this grant helps us to sustain our meetings and reach more men in the community.” 

After conducting a community health needs assessment, leaders realized there needed to be a focus on the mental health of Black men, which later grew to include all men. 

“The statistics tell the story of how men’s health, specifically Black men’s health, has been neglected by the healthcare system, and this is especially the case when it comes to mental health,” said Affinia Healthcare President & CEO Dr. Kendra Holmes. “We know that men are hesitant to see a doctor and the stigma attached to mental health really dissuades men from seeing a professional. We want this to be a soft introduction to what mental healthcare can look like, providing a safe space for men to start having the conversations that help address their mental health.” 

Meriweather said starting this group was something he was excited to spearhead once he received approval to move forward.   

“As a Black man I know we go through a lot, and we don’t always have a space to just communicate,” Meriweather said. “When the idea popped into my head, I just wanted to create it because I know what it’s like to literally battle yourself. All I needed was for Dr. Holmes to give me the greenlight and that was it.” 

The group has mostly seen adult men in attendance, but some participants have brought their sons, and some teenage boys have also attended. 

“We don’t put an age limit on this because it’s just that important. The young ones need to hear us, and they need to see us show love to each other,” Meriweather added. 

No registration is required to attend. For event information, contact LaDon Meriweather at 314-814-8737 or 314-797-0339, or via email, lmeriweather@affiniahealthcare.org.