First announced by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month strives to encourage awareness of mental health and mental illness among minority populations.

Historically, there have been significant disparities in mental health treatment and care for minority individuals. Racial and ethnic minority youth experience comparable mental health challenges to their White counterparts; however, minority youth are on average less likely to receive mental health services than White youth. This challenge in receiving mental health services is often because of provider bias, discrimination, and lack of access to services.

This July, be a champion for minority youth and get involved in raising awareness about the importance of ensuring their equitable access to mental health treatment and care.

Ways to Get Involved:

• Explore the webinar “Advancing Racial Equity: The Time is Now!” for more information on the institutionalized, personally-mediated, and structural mechanisms perpetuating differences in opportunities, stresses, and exposures that youth and families face.
• Download and share the Black, Indigenous People, and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Month toolkit. The theme for 2022 is #BeyondTheNumbers.
• Explore the American Psychological Association’s guide on Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Racial and Ethnic Minority Youth.