Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was founded in 2008 to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face in regard to mental illness in the United States (US).
Mental illness affects one in five adults and one in 10 children in America, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Furthermore, mental illness is a leading cause of disability, yet nearly two-thirds of people with a diagnosable mental illness do not seek treatment, and racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. are even less likely to get help, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
DeKalb Community Service Board is committed to improving minority health and eliminating disparities in behavioral healthcare. With racial and ethnic minorities accounting for more than 80% of the clients we serve, DeKalb CSB is dedicated to integrating mental health with overall health and fighting the stigma associated with mental health illnesses. “Raising awareness about mental health in minority communities and bringing appropriate and essential services to the individuals that we serve is central to our mission,” said Dr. Joseph Bona, Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb CSB. “During the month of July, and throughout the year, we are committed to improving not just access to care but the quality of mental health services for our clients.”
During National Minority Mental Health Month, join DeKalb CSB in helping to raise awareness in your organization or community. Encourage your family, friends and loved ones to learn more about improving mental health and illness.
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