NAACP town hall covers maternal, teen mental health
Published 3:52 pm Monday, June 1, 2026
Maternal health and teen mental health were discussed at the Decatur County NAACP’s town hall Saturday.
Alicia Hurtt, founder of I See My Baby Inc., spoke about maternal health while NAACP President Dr. Beverly Sargent and therapist Carnel Jones of Compassion Therapeutic Counseling Services led the discussion on teen mental health.
“Because May was Mental Health Awareness Month — that’s why we’re hosting this, and it’s also a good opportunity to talk about women’s healthcare in rural communities,” Sargent said.
The group watched a film called “What I Wish My Parents Knew,” a documentary about young people who are silently battling mental health issues, followed by a group discussion about mental health.
“I encourage every parent, every auntie, every uncle, whoever, to talk to your children,” Jones said.
Jones encouraged having tough conversations and looking for the signs that something is wrong in a child’s life. If a child is sleeping all the time, loses interest in school or begins performing poorly in their studies — these are signs that something is wrong, Jones said.
“Isolation is a big one, if you guys find out your children are starting to isolate — at that point, have a conversation,” she said.
Jones said that children are good at hiding behind their “masks.” She acknowledged that many parents are busy, but that it’s important to be mindful regardless. She warned against unrestricted gaming and negative influences.
“Mental health is not something to play with,” Jones said.
Hurtt’s nonprofit is “dedicated to supporting women and families through fertility, pregnancy and overall wellness journeys.” Her organization provides doulas, which are professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a person before, during and shortly after childbirth.
Hurtt advocated for her organization as a support system, and advised people to listen to their doctors.
“Do what they’re telling you to do, but then let us walk with you,” Hurtt said. “Let us carry you hand in hand.”
