The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department partnered with community organizations with expertise in youth leadership, violence prevention, employment, education, and equity to involve men and boys of color in discussions about improving mental wellbeing among people in the community. This group was particularly focused on health equity, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and toxic stressors in order to improve the community's built environment. Small group discussions and one-on-one outreach were led by men and boys of color and these groups identified strategies that would positively impact their community and the mental health outcomes of their peers. Strategies and plans developed by this group were brought to leadership to continue to gather feedback and ensure strategies put in place to resolve these issues are positively impacting boys and men of color within their communities and reflecting their voices.

Making Connections for Mental Health and Wellbeing Among Men and Boys is a national initiative to transform community conditions that influence mental wellbeing. The Prevention Institute works with 13 communities across the U.S. to shift policies, practices, and norms to create greater opportunities for health and resilience, with particular focus on veterans and men and boys of color.