Austin Travis County Integral CareNew Milestones FoundationCentral Texas African American Family Support ConferenceIndicator Improvement Initiative
 
 

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives proclaimed July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, providing agencies an opportunity to raise awareness about severe mental illness in diverse communities.

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month aims to increase awareness of mental illness, treatment, and research in diverse communities. By providing information that is specific to the unique cultural aspects of minorities through appropriate media and venues, these efforts work to bridge service gaps and health disparities.

Mental illness affects one in four American families and people in diverse communities are no exception. The U.S. Surgeon General reports that minorities:

  • Are less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment for their mental illness,
  • Have less access to and availability of mental health services,
  • Often receive a poorer quality of mental health care,
  • Are underrepresented in mental health research.

For additional information about National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and to access resources and suggested activities, click here.

Local organizations and providers are encouraged to plan events this month and raise awareness about the benefits of psychotherapy and mental health to see improved access of mental health treatment and services. This includes education on how to access and navigate the local mental health care system and community support services being offered. The National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health will be hosting free technical seminars; click here to learn more.

Visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for more ways to participate in National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month or click here to learn more.

Bebe Moore Campbell was the keynote speaker at the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference and we honor her dedication to mental health advocacy for diverse communities. Campbell was an accomplished author, advocate, co-founder of NAMI Urban Los Angeles and national spokesperson when she passed away in November 2006.