In kitchens nationwide, workers know that when they hear “behind you,” someone is close by. In the food and beverage industry—often characterized by long shifts, loud kitchens, sharp tools, and high stress—a strong support system changes everything. We all need someone behind us.
That's where the Southern Smoke Foundation comes in. Recognizing the unique challenges and stresses they face, their "Behind You" mental health initiative provides access to no-cost counseling for food and beverage workers in California, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, Texas, and beginning Summer 2024, Maine, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
GSEHD's Community Counseling Services Center (CCSC) will begin working collaboratively with three other clinics on the GW campus through a grant issued by Southern Smoke to serve the DMV area. Over the course of a year, approximately 50 clients will receive services at one of the four clinics on campus.
Dr. Samantha Long is managing the CCSC component, and Dr. Risa Broudy of the GW Meltzer Center is the Principal Investigator.