Blaision Book Fair @ Perfect Union Art Gallery and a Replay of Managing Mental Health and Removing the Stigma

Sifu Mimi Chan Our conversation covered what the pandemic brought to light: racism after the George Floyd murder and hatred towards the Asian population after President Trump blamed China for the pandemic. Chan championed for the safety and fear of her community into a discussion with the Orange County Sheriff. She also wrote (and it passed) legislation to have Asian American history taught in our schools. And if that’s not enough she is a SIFU (instructor) at Wah Lum Kung. Chan invited us to join her at the Blaision Book Fair, Sept. 14th West Oaks Mall at “A Perfect Union gallery.” To connect with Mimi Chan visit [email protected] or www.makeusvisible.org Gareth Edwards, owner of Perfect Union Art Gallery in the West Oaks Mall is hosting a few FREE events in the upcoming weeks. September 14th 1-5pm is the Blaision Book Fair. Books that have been banned or are written by Black and Asian authors will be given away. Then @ 6pm the gallery features “We Were Always More,” artwork by sexual assault survivors. Gareth also chairs art work to be exhibited at Fusion Fest in November. Artists can submit their work to www.fusionfest.org/art. To find out more please visit www.perfectunion.org or to learn more It is time to bring awareness to the unique challenges that ethnic minorities face. Our conversation was meant to open the line of communication on what mental health looks like – and how it’s emotional, mental and spiritual. Our guests Denise Epps and Alaina Richie are a mother-daughter who went through a mental health crisis together. Alaina noticed her mom having issues when she was a senior in high school. She changed her plans to attend an out of state college to be closer to home to help mom. Denise was hospitalized and has since received the treatment necessary to live a healthy productive life. The two now speak openly about their personal crisis in hopes that others will receive the help and care needed. They suggest you call “soft lines” when mental health assistance is necessary – Mental Health Alliance 800/915-1355, National Alliance on Mental Illness or NAMI 800/950-NAMI or if you’re in crisis call 988 immediately Dr. Treshonda Baucom, a licensed mental health counselor and professor along with Erica Bluntson one of the clinicians in her practice Enriched Life Counseling shared that treatment can help reduce the pressures of mental illness once it’s identified. Dr. Baucom helps children and teens struggling with ADHD, anxiety and depression to achieve balance in their social and family relationships. Erica and the others on their team are available to help all ages through therapy. They offer care to all and encourage you connect with them at 407/593-4500. www.EnrichedLifeCounseling.com