AdventHealth and Heart of Florida United Way are partnering for a third consecutive year to reduce cultural stigma surrounding mental health, this time focusing on Haitian Creole-speaking communities across central Florida. This next phase launches a new campaign, “Viv ak lapè nan lespri w” — which means “Live with peace in your mind” — designed to encourage open conversations about mental health and promote emotional well-being within the Haitian community.
This campaign is an adaptation of the “Be a Mindleader” movement, which, since its launch two years ago in Florida, has helped children and parents feel more comfortable discussing mental health, and has connected hundreds of families to counseling services.
Addressing mental health through a multicultural lens is a critical “componentMindleader” campaign and key to reaching as many people as possible.
“At United Way, we stand up for everyone in our community,” said Jeff Hayward, president and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way. “That’s what makes this campaign so important. Viv ak lapè nan lespri w is about empowering our central Florida Haitian community to start the conversation around mental health, so vulnerability is seen as strength and openness is met with trust.”
About one in five adults are diagnosed with anxiety or depression, and every 11 minutes, someone dies by suicide in the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among Haitian Creole-speaking communities, cultural stigma is often the most persistent barrier to mental health care. This stigma often prevents open dialogue and discourages individuals from seeking support.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, talking about mental health is one of the best ways to reduce the stigmas surrounding it.
“Launching this campaign in Haitian Creole, in collaboration with Heart of Florida United Way, marks a meaningful step forward in breaking down barriers and encouraging open conversations around mental well-being,” said Christin Ray, executive director of behavioral health for AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division. “By offering resources that honor cultural identity and lived experiences, we are reaffirming our commitment to eradicate stigma and elevate mental health as a vital part of overall wellness. This initiative is another way we’re living out our promise to care for the whole person — body, mind, and spirit — across the communities we are part of.”
Launching this week, the campaign’s website, www.AnnKoze.com, can connect individuals to several resources:
• Mental health hotlines.
• Suicide and crisis prevention
resources.
• Tips and advice for starting
conversations and handling
difficult situations.
In addition, for parents and caregivers in need of pediatric mental health services, AdventHealth for Children’s care coordinators can help individuals make appointments and find community resources.
Families can access mental health care at AdventHealth for Children’s nationally recognized comprehensive mental and behavioral health practice in Winter Park, Fla. Made possible with a $6 million grant from Dr. Phillips Charities, the expanding program can connect families to counseling services, and other crucial mental health resources right away.
AdventHealth | July 2025
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