Breaking the Stigma: Ghana Nurses Association of Illinois Hosts Landmark Mental Health Seminar and Inauguration Weekend

By Sankofaonline News Desk

In a major initiative dedicated to elevating community wellness, dismantling cultural taboos, and advancing healthcare excellence within the diaspora, the Ghana Nurses Association of Illinois (GNAI) has announced its official Inauguration and Fundraising Weekend.

Serving as a high-impact prelude to the grand inauguration celebrations, GNAI will host a landmark educational seminar titled “Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in the Community.” Scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Chicago Marriott Southwest Burr Ridge, 1200 Burr Ridge Parkway, Burr Ridge, IL 60527. The seminar aims to spark candid, life-saving dialogue surrounding mental health in the Ghanaian and broader African diaspora communities.

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The president of the Ghana National Council, Mr. Effah Ameyaw, issued a strong personal invitation to the community, highlighting the critical nature of the gathering: “Mental health issues, if not taken serious, will lead to a lot of health complications. I am personally inviting you all to come because I will be there.”

A Premier Gathering of Healthcare Visionaries
The October 9 educational seminar features an impressive lineup of mental health experts, clinical practitioners, and community leaders designed to provide actionable solutions for individuals and families:

• Presenters: Dr. Rose Ampofo and Dr. Okoror (Eze Teagran)
• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Cyril Poku Appiagyei, MD
• Guest Speaker: Dr. Jojo Kwofie, Sr.
• Moderator: Dr. Eurice Cromwell, DNP, PMHNP

To tackle complex behavioral and mental health challenges from every perspective, a dynamic roundtable panel will engage attendees in a comprehensive discussion:

• Dr. Sarah Duncan, PhD, LCSW
• Mrs. Linda Sarfo, PMHNP-BC
• Dr. Richard Nimako-Gyasi, PharmD
• Dr. Emelia Appiagyei, DNP, FNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
• Gilbert Ntow, BSN, RN, CMSRN

Addressing Critical Mental Health Needs
For many immigrant communities, addressing mental health is often hindered by cultural stigma, fear of judgment, or a lack of culturally competent care. GNAI’s educational seminar directly confronts these obstacles by providing practical knowledge on:

• Early Identification: Recognizing early signs of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and schizophrenia.
• Crisis Intervention and Management: Understanding when and how to seek emergency psychological intervention safely.
• Family Support Networks: Supporting households navigating autism, ADHD, substance use disorders, and caregiving stress.
• Harm Reduction and Restoration: Promoting medication compliance, grief counseling, and long-term emotional restoration.

Alongside the core educational sessions, attendees will enjoy vendor tables, raffle draws and prizes, and a rich celebration of community and culture.

The Main Event: Inauguration and Fundraising Dinner
The transformative weekend continues into Saturday, October 10, 2026, with the official Inauguration of GNAI and Fundraising Dinner at the same venue, the Chicago Marriott Southwest Burr Ridge.

Centering on the theme “Empowering the next generation of nurses while promoting community health and wellness,” the evening will run from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM, featuring the inauguration ceremony, an open bar, and dinner. Admission is $150.

Event Summary and Contact Information

1. Mental Health Educational Seminar

• Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
• Time: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Doors open at 4:00 PM)
• Venue: Chicago Marriott Southwest Burr Ridge, 1200 Burr Ridge Parkway, Burr Ridge, IL 60527
• Highlights: Keynote Address, Roundtable Discussions, Vendor Tables, Raffle and Prizes, Cultural Networking

2. GNAI Inauguration and Fundraising Dinner

• Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM
• Venue: Chicago Marriott Southwest Burr Ridge, 1200 Burr Ridge Parkway, Burr Ridge, IL 60527
• Admission: $150, includes inauguration, dinner, and open bar

Contact and Inquiries

• Mary Mensah Sogbe: +1 (773) 704-8556
• Cynthia Darkwah: +1 (630) 863-8703
• Alice Larbi: +1 (773) 349-0780
• Zelle Payments and Email: GNAILLINOIS@GMAIL.COM

Mark your calendars and join the Ghana Nurses Association of Illinois in taking a bold step toward mental health advocacy, healthcare excellence, and community empowerment.