Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Kenita Smith, BBA, MBA, MA
Helping Nonprofit Leaders Change Lives | 501c3 Filling help | Fundraising & Grant Readiness | Author | CEO Talks about #nonprofits, #startinganonprofit, #areyougrantready, #nonprofitleadership, and #501c3approval
A few months ago, I highlighted in an article what I consider to be one of the most critical pillars of H.O.P.E., Inc.’s mission – counseling services. As July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, I believe it is important to bring attention to this often-overlooked topic, particularly as it impacts minority populations.
Studies have shown that a person’s background and identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. That is why I am grateful for movements like the 2008 established?Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. It provides a platform for discussions, awareness, and treatment for so many people who are afraid to speak up due to the stigma surrounding mental health.?
I know personally from the work we do at H.O.P.E., Inc., that speaking up can save a life. In our 11-year history, I have had three H.O.P.E. participants share with me that the services we provided them literally saved their lives. There is no greater value in the work we do, than that.?
American’s entire mental health system needs improvement, especially when it comes to servicing marginalized communities. That is why H.O.P.E., Inc. will continue our commitment to offering counseling services for every one of our single-parent participants.?
To learn more about mental health programs and services offered in the Greater Atlanta area, visit NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Georgia at https://namiga.org.