In our diverse world, it’s crucial to recognize and support the unique mental health challenges faced by minority communities. In July, we recognize National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month. This year’s theme is, Community, Culture & Connection, which is very appropriate considering each of these represent ways through which individuals within the Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) populations are supported. It is through community, culture & connection that BIPOC individuals have thrived in the face of historical trauma, oppression and systemic racism.
At Families & Youth Innovations Plus, we’re proud to be a non-profit organization that offers a wide range of services that empower individuals from diverse backgrounds.
But, what exactly is Minority Mental Health, and who does it affect?
Minority Mental Health refers to the specific mental health needs and experiences of individuals from marginalized communities. It acknowledges that factors like race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, and cultural background can greatly influence a person’s well-being.
At Families & Youth Innovations Plus, we understand the importance of providing specialized care that respects the intersectionality of these diverse identities. Our goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all minority individuals seeking mental health services.
As a Certified Clinical Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), we’re dedicated to offering integrative systems that address the healthcare needs of minority populations. Our team of skilled professionals is trained in culturally-sensitive care, ensuring each individual receives personalized treatment that values their unique needs, beliefs, and perspectives.
Through evidence-based therapies, counseling, trauma-informed programs, and community outreach programs, we’re breaking down barriers and promoting mental well-being in minority communities. We strongly believe in the power of innovation, so we actively partner with local organizations, schools, and advocacy groups to build a strong support network that uplifts the voices and experiences of marginalized individuals.
Whether we’re addressing the impact of systemic racism, reducing stigma around mental health and substance use in cultural communities, or providing resources to LGBTQ+ individuals, Families & Youth Innovations Plus is committed to being a beacon of hope and a source of strength in the community. We strive to offer compassionate, accessible, affirming, and effective mental health care to the community we serve.
The History of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
How it Happened:
In 2005, the mental health advocacy landscape witnessed the remarkable efforts of Bebe Moore Campbell, an esteemed author, advocate, and co-founder of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Urban Los Angeles. Campbell’s powerful message focused on raising awareness within the African-American community, aiming to ensure that they receive mental health information and support effectively. She aspired to be “the Harriet Tubman of Mental Illness,” championing the cause with passion and determination.
To further her mission, Campbell enlisted the support of Albert Wing, a Congressman from Maryland, with whom she had a personal connection, to recognize July as Mental Health Awareness Month. Their joint effort aimed to provide a dedicated platform to shed light on mental health issues, eliminate stigma, and advocate for comprehensive support systems.
In 2008, their unwavering efforts bore fruit when the U.S. House of Representatives officially designated July as the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. While there have been recent discussions surrounding changing the month’s name, NAMI remains committed to honoring Bebe Moore Campbell’s extraordinary legacy and groundbreaking work.
About Bebe Moore Campbell:
Campbell’s literary prowess shines through in her three New York Times bestsellers: Brothers and Sisters, Singing in the Comeback Choir, and What You Owe Me, the latter also recognized as a Los Angeles Times “Best Book of 2001”. Her novel Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine garnered accolades as a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and received the prestigious NAACP Image Award for Literature. With a memoir titled Sweet Summer: Growing Up With and Without My Dad, Campbell fearlessly delves into her own personal experiences. Furthermore, she showcased her versatility as an author with her first nonfiction book, Successful Women, Angry Men: Backlash in the Two-Career Marriage. Her insightful essays, articles, and excerpts have found their way into numerous anthologies, amplifying her voice and expanding her impact.
How FYI+ Serves the Mental Health Needs of Minority Groups
Outpatient Therapy – Provides trauma-informed counseling resources for individuals and/or families experiencing stressors related to mental health and/or substance use.
Treatment Foster Care – Provides temporary housing options for children 0-18, who are in need of resources, support, and therapy.
House of Kahlo – The House of Kahlo provides safe, affirming support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, including connections, support groups, social activities, advocacy, education, success coaching, and much more!
12th Avenue – A supportive housing program that provides long-term affordable housing for families who are low-income, experiencing homelessness, and/or are disabled.