APHA Abstract: Raising awareness on mental health information among communities of color.
As the population of the United States continues to expand rapidly, the shift in the cultural and demographic landscape is continuing to transform the way we understand mental health care, cultural competence, and integrated service delivery. There is a particular need to raise awareness and perform outreach to communities of color and other under-served populations. We know, for example, that many immigrants and refugees come to the United States facing issues related to clinical depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Surgeon General, in his Report on Mental Health, explains how unequal access to mental health services aggravates an already existing social problem. Without proper medication or therapy, under-served populations with severe mental health problems or related disorders have difficulty integrating into society. And so the cycle begins. Data shows that many people from communities of color do not have access to mental health services or the insurance to cover the cost. They are among the estimated 44 million Americans nationally who have no form of health insurance.
By creating or joining existing coalitions, communities of color could gain access to mental health related information and services. Through education and the process of integration through cultural competence, stigma can be overcome and existing disparities in access and services eliminated. The presenters will discuss innovative mechanism for outreaching to populations of color using the National Institute of Mental Health’s science based materials and other national organizations materials.
See www.outreach.nimh.nih.gov/description.htm
Learning Objectives: NA-
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: NIMH/NMHA science based information on mental health.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.