NEW YORK, NY – On Saturday, May 5, at the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF) Benefit in New York City, mental health change agent, author and social entrepreneur Rwenshaun Miller will receive an APAF Award for Advancing Minority Mental Health.

Miller, a Lewiston-Woodville native and 2005 Bertie High School graduate, will accept the award after more than five years of advocacy for ending the stigma around mental health.

According to an APAF representative, “This award was established to recognize mental health professionals and mental health programs that are undertaking special efforts to increase public awareness of and secure quality and comprehensive mental health care for underserved minorities.”

Through his non-profit, Eustress Inc., Miller raises mental health awareness, particularly in the black community, using educational content, trainings, workshops, and annual “Let’s Talk About It” walks, which are currently held in Bertie County, Chapel Hill and Charlotte. With Eustress, his partnerships with various organizations, and his daily efforts as a therapist, Miller sheds light on issues that affect mental health, and provides tools and techniques to manage them.

Miller was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2006, and uses his own life experiences to fuel his efforts to help others manage their mental wellness. In 2017, he released his first autobiographical book, Injured Reserve: A Black Man’s Playbook for when Mental Illness Sidelines You.

Miller will receive the APAF Award for Advancing Minority Mental Health just two weeks ahead of Eustress Inc.’s Third Annual “Let’s Talk About It” Walk in Charlotte. The walk, which regularly draws residents and local organizations such as Novant Health and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, will be Saturday, May 19 at Reedy Creek Park, located at 2900 Rocky River Rd.

An inaugural “Let’s Talk About It” gala will follow the walk that same evening at 8 p.m. at the Harvey B. Gantt Center, located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Charlotte.