An initiative borne from lived expertise

ARISE STIGMA SLAYERS

VOA IS not an organization but rather an initiative that consists of black-led, black-serving organizations: founded by Operation Gateway’s very own Chief Change Agent, Philip Cooper.

It was borne from his LIVED experiences as a Black leader, service recipient, and provider aimed at combating stigma in behavioral health through dedicated efforts and advocacy. Est 2021

Our Story

Voices of Affrilachia (VOA) originated from a listening session facilitated by Philip Cooper for DHHS leaders Victor Armstrong and Dr. Michelle Laws, focusing on the needs of BIPOC communities in Western North Carolina (WNC). Funded by Dogwood Health Trust and hosted at the YMI Cultural Center, the session illuminated mental health disparities and potential solutions across several counties. Impressed by the insights, DHHS provided funding through Partners Behavioral Health to United Way of Rutherford County to address mental health stigma among BIPOC communities in WNC.

As the leader of VOA, Philip Cooper oversees a reentry team comprising two cross-trained CPSS as CHWs, offering community-based reentry services primarily in counties lacking reentry councils. He also provides consultancy for rural leaders seeking to establish reentry services, though the focus in these areas often gravitates towards issues like harm reduction and opioid use disorder. Philip's role extends to community engagement, recruitment of CPSS and CHWs from diverse backgrounds, providing sponsorship for training, and conducting speaking engagements on equity in behavioral health while managing administrative tasks for VOA's initiatives.

Click on image to watch the Gov. Institute Panel

Let’s work together.

To continue to increase our community’s capacity for culturally responsive support, we provide opportunities for individuals and organizations through:

  • Linkage and sponsorship of various trainings (Peer & Forensic Peer Support, Recovery Coach, WRAP)

  • Culturally responsive therapy connection

  • Culturally Responsive Re-entry Consultation

    Click the buttons below to reach out!