Minority Mental Health Month Highlights Need for Access to Care for All

In 2008, Congress declared July to be National Minority Mental Health Month to raise awareness about mental illness and how it affects diverse communities, which typically experience reduced access to quality health care services. Every year since, the Office of Minority Health has joined with federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners to help spread the word about minorities’ unique mental health concerns.

July is Minority Mental Health Month

Every July, this holiday is recognized to spotlight the obstacles that minorities typically face, such as lack of insurance and cultural stigma, in receiving quality mental/behavior health care treatment.

This month-long observance was named after American author, journalist, teacher and mental health advocate Bebe Moore Campbell, who devoted her life to shining a light on the mental health needs of underrepresented communities.

Although Mental Health Month is observed in May, this minority-focused observance is recognized in July to separately raise awareness of the issues facing underrepresented communities.

Mental Health Barriers in the Minority Community

Although mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity, minorities are less likely to be diagnosed or receive treatment for a mental illness.

Minorities often lack access to quality mental health services for a variety of reasons, including:

• No insurance
• Can’t afford quality medical services
• Cultural stigma
• Lack of diversity among health care professionals
• Language barriers
• Distrust in the health care system

The barriers minorities typically face can make managing mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety, more difficult.

For example, the recent COVID-19 pandemic placed many minorities with mental health conditions in a more vulnerable position than those who had easy access to behavioral/mental health professionals, which can provide diagnoses, treatment, therapy and more.

We Provide Quality Mental Health Care Services to All

Advantage Care Health Centers joins health care organizations across the country in recognizing National Minority Mental Health Month. In July and all year round, we are dedicated to breaking down the barriers that make it more difficult for minorities to receive the quality mental health services they deserve. Advantage Care is available to serve all members of the community without regard to race, gender or identity.

Contact us today to request an appointment.