Park Avenue Center
The Park Avenue Center in South Minneapolis offers a culturally specific program for African American men, addressing mental health, substance use, and systemic barriers with trust, holistic care, and community support.
In South Minneapolis, the Park Avenue Center has long been a cornerstone of support for adults facing mental health and substance use challenges. With over 45 years of service, the center offers programs ranging from intensive outpatient care to freestanding room-and-board services, all guided by a multidisciplinary team including counselors, social workers, nurses, and dietitians.
While the center serves adults of all backgrounds, one program stands out: a culturally specific group designed for African American men. This program is unique in its approach, acknowledging the historical, social and systemic factors that can make Black men hesitant to seek help.
“Our program is designed to first build trust,” explains John Norwood, MS, LADC, a counselor at Park Avenue Center. “We slow down treatment to meet men where they are…addressing their mental health, their anger, and the systemic challenges they face. Only when they feel safe do they engage fully in treatment.”
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the importance of such culturally tailored programs is underscored by statistics showing that Black men are significantly less likely than other populations to utilize mental health services. National surveys indicate that only 27% of Black men with mental health needs accessed services in the past year, compared to nearly 40% of White men.
Black women, by contrast, are somewhat more likely to seek care, with about a third of those in need receiving services.
Barriers are multifaceted. Cultural stigma, historical mistrust of medical systems, and societal expectations around masculinity all contribute to reluctance among Black men to seek help. Moreover, many individuals come from environments where substance use or limited coping skills were normalized, whether through family, peers, or systemic disadvantages such as homelessness or prior incarceration.
Christine Caron, another counselor at Park Avenue Center, notes, “Many of our clients have been in and out of systems their whole lives. They often lack examples of supportive networks or guidance on how to manage their struggles without resorting to substances. Our work is about showing them that they are deserving and capable of change.”
The center’s culturally specific program is more than just mental health counseling — it addresses the whole person. Clients work with dietitians on nutrition and budgeting, social workers to secure housing or insurance, and nursing staff to coordinate medical care. Program participants can engage in both outpatient services and residential treatment, allowing flexibility depending on their individual needs.
For families and friends of those struggling, the center emphasizes building support networks. Programs like Al-Anon provide resources for loved ones, helping them navigate the challenges of supporting someone with addiction while maintaining their own well-being.
Norwood sums up the program’s mission: “Every step of treatment is about creating a safe environment where our clients can explore their experiences, express their emotions, and build the skills to thrive. It’s about addressing not just addiction, but the underlying factors that have kept them stuck.”
By offering a space tailored to the unique experiences of Black men, Park Avenue Center addresses a critical gap in mental health and addiction services. For those interested in learning more or beginning treatment, the center offers multiple entry points. Potential clients can call, schedule an assessment, or even walk in to get started.
In 2025, as the community continues to face challenges around opioid and substance use, programs like this demonstrate that culturally informed care can empower individuals to reclaim their lives.
For more information, visit Park Avenue Center’s website or contact their admissions team to explore treatment options.
Help is Here is a partnership between MSR and Hennepin County created to highlight local organizations committed to the recovery and education within the Black community surrounding opioid addiction. For more information, visit “Help is Here.”
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com.
