Hey there everyone!
My name is Sakina Alston and I am an advocate for better understanding of mental health and wellness in under-served communities. I am a wife, mother and an immigrant (also born to immigrant parents from Jamaica). I moved from my birth country, the United Kingdom, to the United States, 1 week before my 11th birthday. I met my husband in 12th grade, we have been married for almost 19 years. Together we have 3 sons age 21, 15 and 8. I also have a bonus daughter who is 23. I have also been a nurse for the past 10 years, working mostly with children and adolescents in emergency and behavioral health settings. I have a master’s in the science of nursing (MSN) degree in health systems leadership, and I am currently pursuing a post-graduate psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) certificate. I plan to use my nurse practitioner education and privileges to practice authority in diagnosing and prescribing treatment plans, for which I will have autonomy over.
My intent is to use this space (www.hiphopintheflesh.com), my education, and life experience to raise awareness, and knowledge of various mental health topics. Acculturation, family life, childhood experiences and so much more drive everything we do daily. Hopefully, you can learn as I learn, and we can all do better together.
Sakina Alston, MSN, RN
Should we be Concerned about our Children’s Cannabis Use? (This is not your parents weed)
