by Kevin Epps
In a time where conversations about mental health often fall to the sidelines, the Free Your Mind SF campaign steps into the spotlight. This groundbreaking effort combines the power of storytelling, podcasting and social media to confront the mental health challenges faced by underserved and marginalized communities head-on.
Through raw narratives and deeply personal interviews, this project aims to do more than just raise awareness. It’s about providing real education and advocating for the voiceless, who have long been marginalized. Mental health is a critical issue that is often stigmatized in many communities; Free Your Mind SF wants to change that narrative by highlighting the need for access to resources and the power of community support.
The project has gained notable momentum, thanks in large part to its collaboration with the Department on the Status of Women. Key figures like Kimberly Ellis and Brittney Doyle are at the forefront of this movement. Ellis, a well-known advocate for women’s rights and community welfare, and Doyle, a passionate mental health expert through her work with WISE Health, are driving forces in bringing mental health into the conversation. Together, they’re urging communities to prioritize mental wellness and to speak out against the silence that too often surrounds mental illness.
I had the chance to sit down with Brittney Doyle, MPH, at her WISE Health office in San Francisco, nestled in the Potrero Hill neighborhood. The space has a sleek, modern style – loft-like and inviting. As we settled in – amid some fruit and slightly burnt pretzels – we got into a candid discussion about why this campaign matters so much to her.
“This is long overdue,” Brittney told me. “Mental health issues have been piling up in our communities for years. There’s a backlog of needs, and this campaign is about addressing that, getting out into the neighborhoods, and making mental health services accessible to people – free of charge.”
She emphasized that the campaign isn’t just about awareness; it’s about action. Free Your Mind SF will be hosting community events, pop ups, workshops and forums, creating spaces where people can not only learn about mental health but connect with professionals and resources to support their wellbeing.
Brittney’s passion is infectious, and her dedication to this cause is clear. She’s been deeply involved in mental health outreach, particularly for seniors and the elderly, ensuring they have access to the care they need. “It’s not just about shining a light on the issue; it’s about being there, on the ground, making sure people can access the help that’s available,” she explained.
And that’s what makes Free Your Mind SF so powerful. It’s a movement aimed at reshaping how we think about mental health in underserved communities. It’s about creating a ripple effect, where awareness turns into advocacy, and advocacy turns into action.
The campaign’s community website is also a robust resource hub, offering information on mental health services, professional contacts and ways to get involved. Whether you’re looking for support or want to lend a hand, Free Your Mind SF is pushing the conversation forward.
Kimberly Ellis on prioritizing mental health
Director Kimberly Ellis, who spearheaded this campaign, dropped some powerful words on a recent episode of the Free Your Mind podcast. Reflecting on how the challenges we’ve faced as a society have amplified the need for mental health awareness, she said, “As I mentioned earlier, we’ve gone through a once-in-a-generation pandemic, which really changed every aspect of our society and lives. We’ve gone through, and continue to go through, quite frankly, a racial reckoning – the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and, just recently, Sonya Massey.”
Kimberly didn’t hold back on how these events impact our mental health as individuals and as a society. She continued, “When we talk about some of the things that we have gone through individually and collectively – not to mention the increasingly polarized and violent political state of our country right now, there’s a huge need for us to really prioritize and focus on mental health. Let’s start with educating, equipping and resourcing people with the tools and information to live lives that have mental health at the center.”
You can check out more of Kimberly’s insights and the full conversation on the Free Your Mind podcast series (wisehealthsf.com). It’s a deep dive into mental health, resources, and what we can all do to make sure no one gets left behind when it comes to accessing the support they need.
The Bay View’s executive editor and Hunters Point’s favorite son, filmmaker Kevin Epps, is best known for the game-changing “Straight Outta Hunters Point” and for “Black Rock,” “Rap Dreams,” “Fam Bam” and more. He has collaborated on projects with Google, Yahoo, Discovery Channel, Current TV and a host of other media partners. He was awarded an artist fellowship by the world renowned de Young Museum. His passion for advocacy for his community is legendary. He can be reached at [email protected]. The Bay View thanks Brittney Doyle, MPH, and Kimberly Ellis for their extensive help in preparing this article. Brittney Doyle, a health equity strategist, is the founder of Wise Health SF. Kimberly Ellis is the founder of Unbought – Unbossed, an incubator for the next generation of political disruptors; she was named the most powerful person in California Democratic politics by the Sacramento Bee.
