Building bridges to mental wellness

SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH

Healthy Community is a comprehensive initiative focused on advancing mental wellness, connection, and healing across South Hampton Roads. Through Mental Health First Aid training, facilitated Living Room Conversations, professional continuing education, and the annual Hope & Healing Conference, the program equips individuals and organizations with the tools to recognize, respond to, and reduce the impact of mental health challenges. By fostering dialogue, building capacity, and promoting inclusive, trauma-informed practices, Healthy Communities is creating a stronger, more resilient region.

PROGRAM UNDER DEVELOPMENT

This program is currently under development, and applications are not being accepted at this time.

Please check back for future updates.

Uninsured? Front Door has you covered.

FRONT DOOR - HEALTHCARE ACCESS FOR UNINSURED ADULTS IN HAMPTON ROADS

Whether you need FREE 24/7 Virtual Care, referrals to free & low-cost in-person doctor visits, or emergency care, we find the right local community clinics for you. Just visit the link below and answer a few quick questions to get started.

Mental health challenges are on the rise and South Hampton Roads is no exception. The data below offers a glimpse into the rising reports of stress, trauma, and emotional distress. These challenges are especially pronounced for youth, military families, and under-resourced communities, where barriers to support remain high. By understanding these trends, we can work together to expand access and strengthen care.

2,000 MINDS TRAINED. COUNTLESS LIVES CHANGED.

Historically under-resourced communities in South Hampton Roads hold resilience and strength yet face some of the steepest barriers to mental health support. The data is clear that action is needed. United Way of South Hampton Roads relaunched the Healthy Community initiative to partner with communities in creating solutions rooted in education, connection, and care. A vital part of this vision is training 2,000 community members in Mental Health First Aid by 2030, equipping neighbors with the skills to respond and building a stronger, more supportive region together.

Healthy Community Framework

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) equips everyday people with the knowledge and skills to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges, respond with care, and connect individuals to resources, much like CPR does for medical emergencies. In South Hampton Roads, we focus on those most impacted, offering specialized courses for adults, youth workers, and military communities to strengthen mental wellness across the region.

CONTINUING EDUCATION WORKSHOPS

Quarterly, we bring together Certified Agencies and practitioners for interactive workshops, each spotlighting a different MHFA skill. From recognizing early warning signs to providing immediate support and linking people to resources, these sessions strengthen participants’ expertise and amplify the impact of Mental Health First Aid across South Hampton Roads.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS SERIES

At our community dinners, neighbors gather to share experiences and discuss mental health in a safe, culturally respectful environment. These conversations not only build trust and connection but also give participants a platform to influence programs and services that affect their lives. Together, we learn, grow, and create a community that is stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to support mental wellness for all.

ANNUAL HOPE & HEALING CONFERENCE

We partnered for a second year with Community Champion Courtney Pierce and the Hampton Roads Trauma Informed Community Network to bring our annual event to life, creating a space that sparks inspiration, education, and connection. This gathering brought together mental health leaders and community voices to drive real change. Featuring powerful keynotes, interactive panels, and moving stories from those with lived experience, the event is designed to educate, motivate, and foster collaboration. Together, we aim to strengthen community networks, elevate diverse perspectives, and amplify the impact of mental health initiatives across South Hampton Roads.

Our Impact

We’re already 22% of the way to our bold goal: 2,000 people trained in Mental Health First Aid over five years.

“This training was an eye-opening experience. I learned new and better ways to engage with someone who is struggling with their mental health. I highly recommend this training to anyone working in community or even in their personal life.”

– 2025 Mental Health First Aid Attendee