Jul 19 National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

(July 19, 2024)

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed each July to raise awareness of the mental health issues faced by underrepresented communities. The month was formally recognized by congress in 2008 in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, an author and advocate who used her voice to lift up the unique challenges that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) experience. Moore Campbell had a knack for telling stories that exemplified themes of racism, mental health, and family. This left a lasting impression for many and was the premise for much of the work that continues today in support of BIPOC mental health. For more information on Bebe Moore Campbell’s story, visit National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

This month aims to draw attention to the stark differences in mental health care and treatment, raise voices, and share stories. Racial and ethnic minorities face unique challenges surrounding mental health. I wrote a previous blog about how systematic racism and discrimination has affected mental health for people of color. By raising awareness, we strive to remove the stigma, advocate for better access to services, and develop an improved understanding.

Here are a few statistics which highlight the importance of and need for Minority Mental Health Awareness month.

• Black females, grades 9-12, were 60% more likely to attempt suicide in 2019, as compared to non-Hispanic while families of the same age. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH))
• Only 30% of Black and Hispanic populations and 22% of Asian American populations receive treatment. (Cedars-Sinai)
• Asian Americans were 60% less likely to receive mental health treatment than non-Hispanic whites. (AgLearn)

For further information and statistics, check out this BIPOC Mental Health Fact Sheet from Resources to Recover.

Allies for Children is committed to continually raising awareness regarding minority mental health during this month and all year round. We need to reflect on the problems that drive the challenges with regard to minority mental health but we also need to focus on issues around accessibility and quality of mental health services for minority groups.

Let’s strive to eliminate racially driven barriers to mental health. We need to continue to focus on the use of stigmatizing language around mental health and acknowledge that disparities absolutely exist. Please join us in our efforts to make mental health as vital as physical health to everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.

Heather Wilkes, Allies for Children Policy Manager