July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Erica Stokes| July 2, 2024
July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, and at the Community Service Board of Middle Georgia (CSBMG), we are dedicated to highlighting the unique mental health challenges faced by historically marginalized and underserved racial and ethnic groups. This month, we focus on life-saving information and resources specifically for people of color, emphasizing the importance of culturally competent care and support.
Shining a Spotlight on Mental Health Resources
For a recent article on our Real Stories blog, Keon Lewis shared his experiences with the pilot launch of AFSP’s new education program, L.E.T.S (Listening, Empathy, Trust, and Support) Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities:
“What makes L.E.T.S. Save Lives such a vital program is that it helps to foster new conversations about mental health and suicide prevention for the Black community,” Keon wrote. “From the creators of the content to the presentation’s imagery, this program has been created by and for Black people and resonates uniquely with its audience” (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention [AFSP], 2024).
Here are some of the impactful programs and resources available:
• Soul Shop for Black Churches: A one-day workshop designed to equip leaders of Black faith communities – such as clergy, staff, lay pastors, and faith-based clinicians – with the resources and guidance needed to foster hope and healing in their communities (AFSP, 2024).
• Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Latinx and Hispanic Communities: Available in English and Spanish, this presentation addresses the impact of mental health and suicide on Latinx and Hispanic people in the U.S., guiding participants toward culturally competent mental health resources (AFSP, 2024).
• Elevating Voices for Long-Lasting Change: An AFSP town hall series dedicated to addressing the mental health and suicide prevention needs of underrepresented communities. Explore past panel discussions like “Culture and Mental Health in South Asian Communities” and “Preventing Suicide in Native American Communities” (AFSP, 2024).
• Real Stories Blog: Read Sarah Dixon-Hackey’s article, “As an Asian American, I Know the Impact Cultural Heritage Can Have on Mental Health,” and learn about the connection between mental health, racial heritage, and immigrant backgrounds (AFSP, 2024).
• Supporting Diverse Communities: Our webpage includes a list of resources and programs regarding mental health and suicide prevention among people of color, featuring shareable social graphics with important information for underserved communities (AFSP, 2024).
• Coming Soon: Strong Talk Podcast: Hosted by AFSP Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement, Victor (Vic) Armstrong, MSW. Each episode will discuss issues of equity and access as they pertain to mental health and substance use (AFSP, 2024).
Our mission at CSBMG is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. This month, we aim to bring more attention to mental health and suicide prevention among marginalized groups and connect underserved communities with much-needed, culturally competent care. We encourage you to explore these resources, find support, and share them widely with your community.
For more information, please visit our website at www.csbmg.com
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If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “HELLO” to 741741.