The BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month was formally recognized in May 2008. It was established to bring awareness to the unique struggles faced by many underrepresented and healthcare disadvantaged populations in the United States. Mental health issues affect one in four families in the United States, and it is one of the leading causes of disabilities in the country. The Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month enhances public awareness of mental illness, especially within minority communities.
BIPOC Mental Health month remains relevant because it not only sheds light on the unique barriers and struggles faced by minority groups in mental health care; it highlights how faith, customs, values, and traditions of various ethnic groups should be considered for treatment and diagnosis of mental health disorders. Similarly, the BIPOC awareness month seeks to destigmatize mental health treatment among people of color, where mental health treatment is often viewed as the “treatment of last resort.”
With Primary care being the first level of contact for individuals, families, and communities within the national health care system, the BIPOC mental health month promotes collaboration between primary care providers and mental health providers in other to assist people with achieving optimal health.
An African American author, journalist, teacher, and mental health Advocate, Bebe Moore Campbell worked tirelessly to bring attention to the mental health needs of the African American community and other underrepresented communities in the country. About two years after her death, the BIPOC Mental Health Month passed the House of Representatives on May 21, 2008.
Read more about BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month in the references below.
References
Mental Health America (July 2020). BIPOC Mental Health. Retrieved July 01, 2020, from https://mhanational.org/bipoc-mental-health
Wynn, A. (2008, June 02). Text – H.Con.Res.134 – 110th Congress (2007-2008): Expressing the sense of the Congress that there should be established a Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to enhance public awareness of mental illness, especially within minority communities. Retrieved July 01, 2020, from https://www.congress.gov/bill/110thcongress/house-concurrent-resolution/134/text