I fuse fitness x mental health treatment in underserved communities around NYC

davidfbrand — fitness x
social work

My name is David and I am a social worker, certified personal trainer and writer.
I have specialized in providing integrative, preventive health services for individuals affected by structural inequities related to poverty, race and access to opportunity. From August 2015 until June 2018, I served as a consultant for Lantern Community Services, CAMBA, Inc. and Housing & Services, Inc. In that capacity, **I ran fitness programs at nine supportive and affordable housing sites for formerly homeless adults and families throughout New York City.** I provided personal training, group exercise instruction and mental health counseling to individuals. Meanwhile, I collaborated closely with social service staff to foster truly integrative programs.

Check out a piece I wrote for the Huffington Post that captures my goal of providing integrative health programs for underserved individuals.

Four Core Attributes of My Work

Introduce preventive health programs to address chronic health problems proactively, thus improving quality of life and reducing emergency room visits.
Contrast the traditional counseling experience with a new setting where individuals may feel comfortable discussing personal issues.
Add a tool (suggested by clinical studies) to the substance abuse treatment toolkit
Build community and break down barriers in the client-worker relationship

Credentials

Licensed Master of Social Work, New York University
Nearly a decade of experience in social service as a counselor, case manager and social worker
American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer
American Council on Exercise Senior Fitness Certified Trainer
YMCA-Certified Group Exercise Instructor
American Safety & Health Institute CPR/AED Certified

Conference Presentations

Presenter, National Health Care for the Homeless Coalition Annual Convention 2017
- Move Toward Wellness: Integrating access to exercise in programs serving individuals impacted by homelessness
Panelist, Supportive Housing Network of New York Annual Convention 2016
- Reboot: Body-Centered Movement Practices to Reduce Stress/Enhance Well-Being
Panelist, Supportive Housing Network of New York Annual Convention, 2017
- Get Your Groove On: Movement Practices in Supportive Housing
Janian/PPOH Grand Rounds, September 2017
AVRASA conference, September 2017

Press

QUARTZ: Why are Americans with severe mental illness dying 25 years younger than their peers?
RUNSTREET: Changing the World One Step At A Time: David Brand Fuses Fitness and Social Work
BRONXNET: Open University

I appeared on BronxNet TV's 'Open University' to discuss the intersection of fitness and mental health in August 2016.

Motivation to provide integrative and preventive health services

Before earning my MSW, I worked as a case manager at a supportive housing site in Harlem where most of the tenants had a mental illness. Meanwhile, nearly all of them experienced preventable health problems related to obesity such as diabetes, hypertension, joint pain and respiratory problems. Their endemic deconditioning reflects broader social trends. In fact, individuals with serious mental illness die, on average, 25 years earlier than the general population, often due to preventable chronic illnesses. In addition to my case management responsibilities, I facilitated a weekly Healthy Living Group focused on nutrition, physical activity, tobacco cessation and exercise. The group featured a core group of tenants and lasted for nearly two years. My passion for exercise, commitment to mental health services and my experience with the Healthy Living Group motivated me to earn my personal trainer certification so I could provide fitness opportunities to individuals who face barriers to exercise participation related to income, mental health or lack of access.