Who we are.
What drives us to BeHERE?
HRiA’s BeHERE Initiative envisions an equitable behavioral health system that allows all to thrive. ●
Our approach.
Transforming behavioral health systems
Our goal is to create the conditions for all people and communities to attain optimal health.
We offer bold, equity-centered solutions to transform…
01
Awareness & Attitudes:
We challenge the behavioral health stereotypes and assumptions that create stigma and cause harm, creating opportunities for learning and unlearning through training, engagement, and storytelling. ●
02
Access:
We provide education, training, and support to those working to address the behavioral health needs of their communities. By increasing access to effective prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services in communities of color, we improve access for everyone. ●
03
Advocacy:
We advocate for policies and practices that are human-centered, trauma-informed, and asset-based, shifting responses to behavioral health conditions away from punishment and shame, and toward treatment and support. ●
Our framework.
Operationalizing racial equity in behavioral health
Our framework guides our work with communities, partners, and clients as well as our internal policies and processes.
Comprising three foundational components, this framework is a lens through which we operationalize and advance health equity.
The BeHERE Initiative team has tailored the HRiA Health Equity Framework to behavioral health. ●
Challenge.
What is really causing racial inequities in behavioral health outcomes? What is driving the dominant narratives and stigma? What stories remain hidden?
We reflect on and address the social, economic, and physical determinants of behavioral health, while acknowledging the historical and contemporary injustices and systemic oppression that create and perpetuate these conditions.
We challenge commonly held assumptions and deeply embedded narratives, while asking how – not whether – racism plays a role. ●
Engage.
Who is included, and how? Who is left out, and why? Who benefits and who experiences harm?
To advance behavioral health equity and ensure that solutions are both appropriate and collectively owned, we create and sustain authentic and diverse engagement with communities, sectors, leaders, and other individuals.
And we always ask whose voices might still be missing from the conversation. ●
Build.
What dynamics are at play? Who influences and makes decisions? How can we correct power imbalances?
We engage in power-shifting in solidarity with Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)-led groups organizing for systemic change in our communities.
We are committed to transforming the underlying systems, practices, policies, and cultural norms that create racial inequities in behavioral health. ●
Our team.
Behind every good organization are good people.
Get to know ours.
Jennifer Cyran
Managing Director
Jennifer Cyran, MA, PMP, CRS, CRS-DC
Managing Director, Behavioral Health
Ms. Cyran is the Managing Director of Behavioral Health at HRiA and part of the BeHERE Initiative leadership team. She manages all Helpline services at HRiA, overseeing a diverse team of Screening & Information Specialists, Clinicians, and other program staff, as well as the operations of Helpline contact centers/websites and other projects focused on behavioral health. Ms. Cyran has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northeastern University and master’s degree in organizational psychology from William James College. She is a Certified Project Management Professional, a Certified Resource Specialist, and a Certified Information and Referral Specialist. Ms. Cyran is passionate about authentic, collaborative leadership.
Michael Leonard
Project Manager
Michael Leonard
Project Manager
Michael Leonard is a Project Manager at HRiA and a BeHERE Trainer. As an accomplished substance use prevention trainer and facilitator, Mike plans and executes trainings and events. He has co-facilitated over 100 trainings since he joined in 2019. Previously, Mike completed a two-year Non-Profit Management Fellowship with the Phillips Brooks House Association at Harvard, where he added organizational capacity in fundraising, communications, alumni relations, and event planning while supporting undergraduate leaders. Originally from Maryland, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Harvard University in 2017.
Gracie Rolfe
Project Manager
Gracie Rolfe, MSW
Project Manager
Gracie Rolfe is a Project Manager at HRiA and a BeHERE Trainer. She develops and refines training curricula, conducts in-person trainings, and provides technical assistance to sprograms across Massachusetts. Previously, she worked at Boston Public Health Commission’s PAATHS Program and AHOPE Needle Exchange, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Program. Through this work, she gained extensive experience in substance use, addiction, harm reduction, and overdose prevention. She also has experience developing policy manuals, training curricula, and evaluation plans for community health programs addressing overdose prevention, substance use, and HIV/AIDS. She is passionate about delivering outcome-oriented health services within a social justice framework. Ms. Rolfe has a Master of Social Work degree, with concentrations in health and public health policy from Boston College School of Social Work.Get in touch