about us
our mission
The Citywide Behavioral Health Coalition for Black Elders, Inc. works to ensure that Black older adult residents of New York City have sufficient access to the best, culturally competent mental health services and a quality of life that promotes mental well-being.
We come together with older adults of African descent and their families to advocate for appropriate mental health services, responsive and inclusive systems of care and age affirming communities. We view these as important to the sense of dignity, pride, health and mental wellbeing Black older adults deserve.
Through the Coalition, concerned New York City mental health professionals including those in clinical practice, research, policy, planning and government come together with older adults of African descent and their families to advocate for appropriate mental health services, responsive and inclusive systems of care and age affirming communities. We view these as important to the sense of dignity, pride, health and mental wellbeing Black older adults deserve.
who we are
0ur members are:
- Mental health professionals including those in clinical practice, research, policy, planning
- Government professionals
- Older adults of African descent
- Families and caregivers.
DR. MARTHA ADAMS SULLIVAN, DSW, LMFT, MA. FOUNDER AND CEO.
With a background that includes key positions in government, city agencies, and the voluntary sector, Dr. Sullivan has a wealth of experience in healthcare leadership, education, policy, planning and program development. She is dedicated to developing and increasing access to culturally competent, quality health and behavioral health care and services for underserved and minority populations, including older adults, women, people of color and people who are seriously mentally ill or homeless.
As Executive Director, Dr. Sullivan oversees one of the largest state-operated psychiatric centers in NYS which includes a hospital, residential programs and an array of outpatient services. There she is working to enhance clinical and vocational services. Other initiatives include a systemwide initiative aimed at enhancing the environment of care for staff and clients as well as staff development initiatives.
Previously, as Health + Hospitals/ Gouverneur’s Executive Director, Dr. Sullivan led the largest Diagnostic and Treatment Center in New York and a large Skilled Nursing Facility. Earlier she served as Gouverneur’s Director of Behavioral Health. She is the only social worker to have held such a position in H+H. It was at Gouverneur that Dr. Sullivan developed the innovative and pioneering Center for Older Adults and Their Families and the Women’s Comprehensive Mental Health Program.
A former Deputy Commissioner of NYC DOHMH, Dr. Sullivan lead chemical dependency, mental health promotion and community liaison. There she also developed the mental Hygiene Grants Management Office. As Vice President, St. Barnabas Hospital and Executive Director of the Fordham-Tremont CMHC, she developed specialty services, including the Men’s Mental Health Service, and produced the documentary film Men of Color and Mental Health: Moving from Alienation to Hope first shown at a professional conference of the same title.
Dr. Sullivan holds a master’s degree from the Silberman School of Social Work of Hunter College at CUNY where she also has served as an assistant professor, adjunct. She earned a Doctor of Social Welfare degree from the CUNY Graduate School. She also holds a Master of Theology degree from St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoody, NY. Having trained in family systems therapy and supervision directly with Salvador Minuchin, MD, Dr. Sullivan later served as a visiting faculty member and Board Chair of the Minuchin Center for the Family. Community and professional activities include: former trustee, St. Charles Borromeo Church, where she developed the Lazarus Project, a ministry of consolation serving parish and community and where she leads the Anti-Violence Project for the Social Justice Committee. A fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine, Dr. Sullivan serves as vice-chair of the Healthy Aging section. She is also appointed to the Age-Friendly NYC Commission. Dr. Sullivan chairs the Advisory Board of the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Center in Harlem. She is founder and Chair of the Citywide Behavioral Health Coalition for Black Elders, Inc. which promotes age-affirming communities and mental wellbeing for Black elders through advocacy, community education and service.
As a past president of the NYC Chapter of NASW, Dr. Sullivan spearheaded the Social Work Equity Project including the published report: Worse Than You Think. The Dimensions of Poverty in NYC: What Social Workers See. Other publications address cross-cultural care and treatment, community engagement, women, aging and families.
“I consider myself a public servant and a servant leader. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve.”
ABOUT OUR LOGO
Nyansapo, the “Wisdom Knot”, symbolizes wisdom and patience. It is one of the Adinkra symbols of West Africa.
The Golden Knot signifies royalty and prosperity, while the Silver Knot references peace and joy. These are all characteristics we see in our Black Elders, our wise, joyful, Kings and Queens.