Resources for National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to have access to mental health services, more likely to use emergency departments, and more likely to receive lower quality care overall, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. This all contributes to poor mental health outcomes, including faster growing rates of suicide, among minority populations. The following equity-focused resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) provide communities with ways to support mental healthcare and treatment with a trauma-informed care approach:

• Health Disparities Data Widget provides an easy way to find health disparities data for critical health issues. Identifying and addressing these issues can reduce the leading causes of death and preventable illnesses.
• Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals helps health professionals develop the knowledge and skills needed to deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
• Violence-Related Trauma Resources are designed to help communities support emotional well-being and recovery.

Other useful resources include:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Coping with Stress offers strategies and resources to help people cope with feelings of isolation, loneliness, stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, while still observing safety measures to help prevent and reduce the spread of the virus.

MentalHealth.gov

• This online resource provides information on how different groups may discuss mental health and find support.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

• Behavioral Health Equity Resources include data on health disparities and health care quality among diverse populations, and information for improving health literacy and policy as well as cultural and linguistic competency.
• Community Conversations Discussion Guide guides facilitators and participants through organizing community discussions about mental health. It provides discussion questions, facilitator tips, and next steps following a conversation.
• Coronavirus Guidance and Resources offers guidance to assist individuals, providers, and communities.

Communities may visit the OMH webpage for downloadable materials and health resources, and find the OMH on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.