February is Black History Month – a time set aside for remembering and celebrating the incredible contributions that African-Americans have made to our country’s history. While we celebrate the accomplishments of the Black community, however, we recognize the unique mental health challenges shared by people in this community.
According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black adults in the U.S. are more likely that white adults to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress. Only 1 in 3 Black adults with mental illness receive treatment. This can be due to lack of culturally competent treatment, socioeconomic concerns, lack of insurance, or the remaining stigma within their families and communities.
NAMI has valuable information and a list of resources tailored to addressing mental health concerns within the Black community. Click below for more information.
PS – Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages every Friday in February for a spotlight on a local Black mental health provider working to change these statistics and improve the lives of their clients!
