Downtown nonprofit to address mental health, loneliness at upcoming symposium

In the wake of an isolating global pandemic and amidst rising political tensions, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit is stepping up to confront the “loneliness crisis” in a city that’s home to an estimated one million people who live alone.

Baltic Street Wellness Solutions will host its Second Annual Symposium, “Unlocking the Power of Community: Addressing Loneliness,” at BRIC Media Arts Center on Wednesday, Nov. 6. The event will bring together mental health experts, advocates and community members to explore solutions to combat isolation and strengthen community bonds across the Big Apple.

“As the largest peer-led organization in New York State, addressing loneliness is one of the cornerstones of the work we do,” said Deputy Director of Programs Mark Clarke. “We wanted to have the conversation, especially after COVID, about how people can tackle loneliness in its many forms.”

Loneliness is something everyone experiences differently, Clarke stressed, so he and his team are working to ensure that the symposium addresses the issue on a multitude of levels.

“We wanted to create a safe space and talk about loneliness and how we can address it,” he told Brooklyn Paper.

The all-day event will spotlight keynote speaker Kevin Hines, a mental health advocate, award-winning filmmaker, and one of the few individuals to survive a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge. Hines will share his story of resilience and ongoing mental health journey, offering insights for those grappling with similar challenges.

Other speakers, including Baltic Street CEO Taina Martinez-Laing and Len Statham of the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, will explore how technology, peer support, and innovative outreach can create connections in a divided world.

Founded over two decades ago, Baltic Street Wellness Solutions is dedicated to providing mental health support and advocacy services to underserved communities in New York City. The Downtown Brooklyn nonprofit focuses on empowering individuals facing challenges such as addiction, mental health diagnoses, and socioeconomic difficulties, offering resources and programs that promote wellness, recovery, and community engagement.

For more information on Baltic Street Wellness Solutions, or the upcoming symposium, visit balticstreet.org.