Think Tank - February 14th, 2025

This February, we are excited to collaborate with the Black Scholars Institute at the University of Windsor, making this session an especially unique opportunity to engage in impactful discussions and foster inclusive innovation.

The Mental Health Hour (MHH) Initiative: A Holistic Approach to Men's Health
David Griffiths, MBA, B. Eng
CEO & Founder, Brothers Who Care 
The Glue | The Advisor | The Coach | The Impact Investing Connector | The "Get It Done Guy" | The Care Leader | The Mental Health Advocate
Overview: Join us for this insightful and collaborative session focused on advancing a holistic approach to Black men's health, with an emphasis on mental, emotional, physical, and financial well-being. The Mental Health Hour (MHH) Initiative, a partnership between Brothers Who Care (BwC) and the TAIBU Community Health Centre, seeks to address the unique challenges faced by Black males by integrating culturally relevant mental health support with resources for physical fitness, and financial empowerment. As systemic barriers, cultural stigmas, and societal expectations continue to affect Black men's overall well-being, the MHH works to provide. a comprehensive, community-centered platform for resilience and healing. This session invites participants from mental health services, physical wellness, nutritional services, financial education, and Caribbean & African cultural organizations to collaborate in shaping effective and empowering programs that support Black men and youth in managing their health holistically. Your insights will contribute to the development of sustainable strategies that not only promote mental health but also foster physical and economic well-being in our communities.

Exploring the Impact of Chess as an Educational and Mental Health Tool
Antoinette Seymour, MSc, MEd, BA (Hons)
Librarian, Leddy Library, University of Windsor
Black Scholars Institute (member), Chess Olympian
Overview: Chess is a critical thinking game that has no boundaries: age, gender, race - none. It has been placed within school curricula and instituted as a club at many schools across the globe. Chess Olympian Antoinette Seymour and University of Windsor BSI member is currently investigating the educational and health benefits of adding chess to curricula in the Bahamas. She has taught persons as young as 5 and as elderly as 88, persons on the autism spectrum, persons with physical and behavioural challenges, or any and everyone within a fun, stress-free zone. The presenter is now looking to expand this research locally by connecting with people interested in chess, mental health, education, and holistic health.

Post Partum Breast Cancer: Bridging Biology and Early Detection Strategies to Improve Patient Outcomes
Bre-Anne Fifield, PhD
Faculty of Science, University of Windsor 
Overview: For up to 10 years following childbirth females are uniquely susceptible to the onset of breast cancer. Post-Partum Breast Cancer (PPBC) has unique properties from age-related breast cancers, and are particularly aggressive, with increased disease reoccurrence, metastasis, and mortality. This is due, at least in part, to the fact that PPBC patients are diagnosed from 1-13 months later than age matched nulliparous (never pregnant) patients. Concerted efforts are needed to improve breast cancer diagnosis in post-partum young females. Our team is looking to engage with individuals with lived experience and health care providers to aid in the development of new strategies to improve early detection of PPBC and ultimately, patient care and outcomes.

If you have any questions/ideas for our Think Tanks, or would like to present at a future Think Tank, please contact us at wesparkhealth@uwindsor.ca. To learn more about these events, please visit our Think Tank webpage!