Culture as Medicine: Funding What Works with Rich Havard, Director of the Decolonizing Wealth Project’s Youth Mental Health Fund

The pain of youth must always be seen alongside its power. In this episode, Rich Havard, Director of the Decolonizing Wealth Project’s Youth Mental Health Fund, shares his journey from a closeted gay kid in rural Mississippi to leading a $20 million initiative supporting BIPOC and LGBTQ youth. He reflects on formative church experiences, both healing and harmful, that shaped his commitment to creating inclusive spaces, as well as his years as a pastor witnessing the struggles and resilience of young people. Rich underscores the urgent need for philanthropy to fund culturally responsive care and elevate youth voices as true decision-makers shaping solutions. Ultimately, he reframes youth mental health as an issue of both justice and connection. Tune in and learn how integrating culture, storytelling, and justice can transform youth mental healthcare! Resources: Connect with and follow Rich Havard on LinkedIn. Follow the Decolonizing Wealth Project on their LinkedIn and Instagram, and explore their website. Learn more about the Youth Mental Health Fund here. Contact the Decolonizing Wealth Project team here. Read Decolonizing Wealth Project CEO and Founder, Edgar Villanueva's book, Decolonizing Wealth, here. Discover more about Dr. Alfiee’s The AAKOMA Project here.