Community Engagement

Public education around behavioral health issues is necessary to promote overall health and well-being. Through partnerships with community based agencies and connecting with public leaders, DBHIDS works to promote the health of Philadelphians by supporting initiatives that strengthen individuals, families and communities.

Mural Arts/Porch Light Program

A groundbreaking public art approach to achieving health and wellness in Philadelphia done in collaboration with the City’s Mural Arts Program. Porch Light works closely with communities to uplift public art as an expression of community resilience and a vehicle of personal and community healing.

Engaging Males of Color (EMOC) Initiative

A newly established and targeted initiative designed to address the impact of health, economic and educational disparities experienced by males of color. Its goals are to promote better understanding and awareness of behavioral health challenges, reduce the associated stigma and improve the quality of life for males of color throughout the Philadelphia region.

Community Coalition Wellness Initiative

Community Coalition Initiative was designed to better deliver behavioral health services to targeted communities where there might be significant numbers of vulnerable or at-risk individuals. The program has built partnerships with seven coalitions of community-based organizations (CBOs) and licensed behavioral health providers to help reach community members who can most benefit from these programs, support and treatment services.

Faith Based Unit

In 2005, DBHIDS created a Faith-Based Initiative to build partnerships with city churches, mosques, and synagogues to reach members in various faith communities. These coalitions provide another way to connect people with behavioral health and developmental disabilities with needed supports and services.