In mid-July, the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a press release announcing that Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed the month of July as People of Color Mental Health Awareness Month. Also known as “BIPOC Mental Health Month,” July is a time in which we recognize and call attention to the unique barriers to mental health care that affect many minority groups throughout our state and the nation as a whole.
Statistically, BIPOC communities are disproportionally affected by suicide and mental illness yet are also less likely to seek behavioral health care. To explain this, researchers often cite barriers in access to care that are rooted in cultural differences, financial inequity, and systematic imbalances, among others.
While a dedicated month is an important and necessary method of calling attention to this critical issue, we at Pine Rest know that the inequality in access to care is urgent concern that warrants year-round attention. Our communities, our state and our nation have much more work to do in addressing the stigma, implicit bias and systematic inequalities that create imbalance in access to care for all who need it.
Pine Rest’s mission of service calls us to unrelenting focus on this important work. Each and every member of our organization has a hand in helping building a future that is more equitable and inclusive for all.
For for more information, please visit our blog section dedicated to BIPOC Mental Health.
