National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month sheds light on less access to care, cultural stigma and lower quality care in minority populations

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental illness and its effects on racial and ethnic minority populations. 

Minorities are less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment for their mental illness, have less access to mental health services and often receive a poorer quality of mental health care, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.

Oakland Family Services and Day One believe in making mental health care accessible for all who need it. We’ve been sharing resources in recognition of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month throughout July on all of our social media channels and have compiled them here. Check them out to learn more:

• Learn about barriers to mental health care for minority populations.

• Check out this video featuring Jasmin Pierre, who created "The Safe Place” app where the black community can access culturally inspired information and support.

• Consult the Office of Minority Health Knowledge Center, an online catalog featuring the largest collection of minority health information in the nation.

• Chris Hubbard, offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns, encourages young athletes to take care of their mental health, discusses the stigma about mental health in the African American community.

• Lorenzo Lewis uses barbershops across America as platforms to discuss the mental health challenges men face in the black community.

• Discover the signs and symptoms, risk factors, and treatments for various mental disorders.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, contact Day One at (248) 858-7766.