2018 Minority Mental Health Awareness Month | News

June 28, 2018

Mental illness affects millions of Americans every year, regardless of their color, identity, gender, race or economic status.

While it can be challenging to access mental health resources, the issue of accessibility is heightened for members of diverse communities who are already dealing with the roadblocks of cultural stigma and low quality medical care in general.

In response to this dilemma, the US House of Representatives established July 2008 as the first Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.  Bebe Campbell was an author, advocate, national spokeswoman and co-founder of NAMI Urban Los Angeles. She used her public platform to encourage others to destigmatize mental illness, improve access, and provide medical education to minority groups.  

Since then, the month of July has become an opportunity for communities to work together to improve America's mental health system, especially for men and women of marginalized groups.  Click here to learn how you can advocate, support, and participate in activities for Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.