Nana Akua Dansoah Nuamah is a psychiatrist who is passionate about mental health awareness and improved access to quality care within communities. She is involved in clinical work, teaching, research and advocacy, and believes that with consistent dedication to innovative thinking and interventions the mental health landscape can be positively transformed. Nana is dedicated to enhancing the systems in place to provide awareness to mental disorders at all levels and provide sustainable, evidence-based interventions. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Mental HEalth Awareness for HeaRing ImpaireD (M-HEARD) Ghana

The M-HEARD project bridged the existing mental health literacy gap among persons with hearing impairments in Ghana. By developing 15 mental health educational videos and resources incorporating the Ghanaian sign language, the project used creative, relatable, readily accessible and credible resources to bring information on mental health and wellbeing to persons with hearing impairments. Two animations also were created that provided an overview of mental health and informed viewers of 10 myths and facts about mental health.

Project videos were shared via screenings conducted in collaboration with members of the Ghana National Association of the Deaf and House of Grace School for the Deaf. The videos were also shared on social media and have reached more than 10,000 people. 

"I am hopeful that this M-HEARD project will help dispel various myths about mental health and prove a credible resource for mental health education." - Nana Akua Dansoah Nuamah

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Nana participated in the IVLP Project Innovations in Mental Health, Emotional Care, and Well-Being (with S/GHD) organized by the U.S. Department of State and Institute of International Education, in partnership with World Trade Center Institute, San Diego Diplomacy Council, International Focus, Inc., and WorldChicago.

Nana's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "A core principle learned during my IVLP experience was the need for greater inclusivity in mental health related projects and programs developed. Although it was not fully perfected and numerous challenges were discussed, the point was that some attempt at inclusion was being made. "

U.S. Communities Visited

San Diego, CA; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Baltimore, MD; Raleigh, NC

"[Efforts made towards inclusivity] resonated with me, and I seek to use the M-HEARD project as a means of working towards more inclusive approaches in mental health awareness and care." - Nana Akua Dansoah Nuamah

Country: Ghana

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