Throughout the month of July, we celebrate BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, otherwise known as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Although anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness, regardless of their background, BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the unique mental health challenges and needs of historically underrepresented and/or oppressed racial and ethnic groups.
BIPOC communities are significantly more likely to develop mental health conditions. Major barriers to mental health treatment include both accessing support and understanding the importance of receiving mental health treatment.
Know the Facts:
- According to the American Psychological Association, 81% of Black people reported experiencing discrimination. 1 in 10 developed symptoms of PTSD due to racism and discrimination.
- Data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that Asian Americans are 3 times less likely to seek mental health treatment compared to their White counterparts.
- According to the NYS Office of Mental Health, only 1 in 3 African Americans who need mental health care receive it.
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that in 2018, 56.8% of Hispanic and Latinx individuals with serious mental illness between the ages of 18-25 years old did not receive treatment.
- According to Mental Health America, due to high levels of poverty, many Native/Indigenous people in America face economic barriers that prevent them from receiving treatment.
As an organization, Horizon remains committed to supporting our BIPOC communities and breaking the barriers they often face regarding receiving mental health treatment. Our Action Plan specifically identifies our commitments, vision, and strategy towards being an anti-racist, diverse, equitable and inclusive organization.
We know the importance and impact of education, and consistently provide opportunities for our team members to grow in their knowledge and awareness on these important topics. Through our community partnerships and collaborations, we continue to expand our reach and level of support provided to our communities throughout Western New York.
At Horizon, we also know there will always be more listening, learning, and leading to be done to foster a more equitable and just community for all. Please contact our Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Jennifer Loughran, with any questions or ideas for community collaboration. We are stronger together.