Please join us for the Minority Mental Health Summit: Healing through Peace, Purpose, and Prevention
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs are hosting a conversation on November 28th on Minority Mental Health. The discussion will focus on how to promote healing and wellness through peace, purpose, and prevention. Speakers will include Melissa Rogers, Special Assistant to the President and Executive Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships; Dr. Nadine Gracia, HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health and the Director of the Office of Minority Health; David J. Johns, Executive Director, White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans; and Tiffany G. Townsend, PhD (Senior Director, Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs).
The Office of Minority Health provides the following statistics concerning mental health in minority communities:
- African Americans are 20% more likely to report having serious psychological distress than Non-Hispanic Whites.
- Older Asian American women have the highest suicide rate of all women over age 65 in the United States.
- The death rate from suicide for Hispanic men is almost five times the rate for Hispanic women, in 2009.
Whether it is dealing with the stress of making ends meet; the anxiety of living in communities with high rates of violence; or the hopelessness and isolation of depression or substance use, mental health disorders in minority communities is a reality. Communities of color live in complex societies, which can create anxiety, depression, trauma, and even anger.
While people in minority communities are just as likely to struggle with mental health issues as the general population, they are less likely to seek help, according to Mental Health: Culture, Race, and Ethnicity: A Supplement to Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General. Racial and ethnic minority populations have faced significant barriers to accessing affordable and quality health care and these barriers have contributed to behavioral health disparities.
Dealing with the prejudice and bias associated with mental and substance use disorders is one of the reasons why trusted messengers in minority communities like faith and community leaders play such a powerful role in educating individuals, families, and youth about behavioral health. It is also crucial to develop platforms where these leaders and influencers can discuss policy, best practices, and engagement strategies on minority behavioral health.
Please join us on November 28th to discuss how we can promote healing and wellness through peace, purpose, and prevention.
WHEN: Monday, November 28 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Breakfast will be served starting at 8:00 AM and lunch will also be provided)
WHERE: American Psychological Association, 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002
RSVP: Please RSVP by November 23 to Partnerships@hhs.gov
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