Minority Mental Health Month

July is National Minority Mental Health Month, also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month, a nationwide effort developed to "shed light on the multitude of mental health experiences within BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities." Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender, or identity. Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness regardless of their background. However, sometimes background and identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. For this reason, Bebe Moore Campbell established National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in 2008 to start changing this. Bebe Moore Campbell was a national journalist, author, teacher, and mental health advocate who worked tirelessly to raise awareness on the mental health needs of the Black community and other underrepresented communities. Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition and taking on the challenges that are often associated with mental health conditions such as health coverage and stigma requires participation from all of us. Despite advances in health equity, disparities in mental health care persist. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reports that racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S. are less likely to have access to mental health services and poor mental health care access contribute to poor mental health outcomes. In addition, according to Mental Health America and American Psychiatric Association: Black/African American Community • Percent of African Americans with Mental Illness: 17% Latinx/Hispanic American Community • Percent of Latinx/Hispanic Americans with Mental Illness: 15% Asian American/Pacific Islander Community • Percent of Asian Americans with Mental Illness: 13% Native and Indigenous Communities • Percent of Native Americans/Alaskan Natives with Mental Illness: 23% Multiracial • Percent of people who identify as being two or more races with mental illness: 25% During Minority Mental Health Month, MHAS would like to highlight the importance of talking about minority mental health and increasing awareness of and access to services for all people. Research has shown that BIPOC communities are significantly more likely to develop mental health conditions, experience major barriers to mental health treatment access and have an increased need for understanding mental health supports. The United States consists of a diverse population of people with rich histories and it is important to acknowledge each person's story of resilience and the immeasurable strength that lies within each culture. Taking on the challenges of mental health conditions, health coverage and the stigma of mental illness requires all of us. Relationships are critical to build community strength and by focusing on working together as a community to increase education and decrease stigma, we can create new possibilities and solutions for those who struggle with mental health through collective action. By coming together and using our strength as a community we can reduce stigma and experience new ways of interacting with one another, increase meeting the needs of our neighbors, and stretching ourselves to redefine how we approach mental health. While addressing mental health does come with its challenges, it can also make us stronger as a community. Below is a list of local behavioral health providers available to provide services for BIPOC communities: • Family Life Counseling & Psychiatric Services: 567-560-3584 (mental health and substance use) • Firelands Counseling & Recovery Services: 419-663-3737 (mental health and substance use) • Oriana House LLC: 567-280-4023 (substance use only) Check in on your mental health with a mental health screening at: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/ For more information on the multiple focus areas of Minority Mental Health Month click the links below: Cultural Competence: https://www.mhanational.org/issues/cultural-competence • Black and African American Communities & Mental Health: https://www.mhanational.org/issues/black-and- african-american-communities-and-mental-health • Native and Indigenous Communities & Mental Health: https://www.mhanational.org/issues/native-and- indigenous-communities-and-mental-health • Latino/Hispanic Communities & Mental Health: https://www.mhanational.org/issues/latinxhispanic- communities-and-mental-health • Asian American/Pacific Islander Communities And Mental Health: https://www.mhanational.org/issues/asian- americanpacific-islander-communities-and-mental-health Ashley Morrow is Community Engagement and Resource Manager for the Huron County Board of Mental Health & Addiction Services.