By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Identify key components of the Libraries for Health pilot.
- Identify key components of Supporting Community Mental Health in Libraries: A Toolkit for Implementing Evidence-Based Approaches.
- Evaluate implementation strategies for supporting community mental health in their own library communities.
Speakers
Abena Asante, MHA, is a Senior Program Officer at St. David’s Foundation, a leading regional funder in Central Texas. She advances health equity by building knowledge, catalyzing community-led action, and aligning investments with the Foundation’s mission. Grounded in a deep belief in community power, Abena has helped design innovative funding approaches including the Libraries for Health initiative that center local assets, leadership, and lived experience to improve health and wellbeing.
Lynsay Ayer, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and senior behavioral scientist at RAND, where she conducts research and evaluation on expansion of mental health care access and suicide prevention. She led the evaluation of the Libraries for Health pilot and development of the toolkit for implementation.Â
Dr. Sandra D. Smith, PRSS, RPS, blends recovery support expertise with higher education leadership, advancing mental health and reentry standards. As a Certified Reentry Peer Specialist, she designs innovative, lived-experience–driven practices that center on healing and resilience. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Services from Capella University. Her trademarked Thrauma® training addresses the layered impact of trauma and anchors her developed curricula, empowering individuals impacted by incarceration to heal, rebuild, and support others.Â
Melinda Hodges, M.S.I.S, is the director of a small-town library with big-city influences. During her time with the City of Buda, Melinda has seen the population of the area grow immensely, with little growth in social services, putting the local libraries in a position to help bridge the gaps in our communities. She led the Buda Public Library as a member of the original Libraries for Health pilot program. Melinda is a Certified Public Manager® and holds a Consumer Health Information Specialization.
