Koinonia Family Services’ Post

As we continue to bring awareness this #BIPOCMentalHealth Awareness Month to the challenges that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) face when it comes to mental health, we’re revisiting a recent WHEC Rochester in Focus episode that highlights the importance of connecting families of children with social, emotional, mental health, and developmental needs with Family Peer Advocates who have shared experiences and come from racially diverse backgrounds. Having BIPOC Family Peer Advocates that mirror the racial and ethnic composition of the families served results in better engagement and more equitable outcomes for youth. We are proud to work with our partners to increase the number of BIPOC Family Peer Advocates in behavioral health services. The first part of the episode focuses on findings from the groundbreaking report we completed with Common Ground Health which reveals the pandemic’s long-lasting effects on youth mental health. The negative impact was found to be even greater for young people of color compared to their peers. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/g88Aw7v2

Bebe Moore Campbell sparked a transformative movement for mental health awareness within the Black Community. Recognizing her impact, in 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives declared July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. It is crucial to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by historically marginalized communities. By doing so, we can decrease #stigma, foster understanding, and prioritize #mentalhealthliteracy (MHL) for all. MHL is not a single program or one-time training. MHL is a flexible educational framework that can be tailored to be culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate for any community. Throughout this month, we will be sharing MHL-related resources for Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month from a number of our community partners. Please help us circulate these critical materials to ensure equitable access to accurate, appropriate mental health information and support for everyone. But first, with gratitude to our partners NAMI and Mental Health America for highlighting Campbell’s legacy, here's a glimpse of her profound influence: https://lnkd.in/gRrVAvh https://lnkd.in/gZ4uyc5e https://lnkd.in/eMMHSkPq https://lnkd.in/e5iSYkWp #MMHAM #bebemoorecampbell #mentalhealth #equity #advocacy

🟢🟠🔵 July marks National Minority Mental Health Month, which was established to highlight the mental health burdens that non-white groups face in this country. This month is a time to reflect not only on the problems that drive challenges with regard to minority mental health but also on those that constrict the accessibility and quality of mental health services for minority groups, particularly adolescents in these groups. Adolescents of color in America face higher rates of significant mental health challenges compared to their white peers. Examples of social and environmental stressors that drive poor mental health include: 🔹 Poverty and violence in disinvested or underinvested communities 🔹 Under-resourced public schools in underinvested communities 🔹 Conscious discrimination and implicit racial bias toward non-white children and teens 🔹 Greater losses of jobs and family members during the pandemic 🔹 Police and civilian violence against Black Americans 🔹 Increased risk of homelessness 🔹 Higher rates of sexual harassment for teen girls Racially driven stressors frequently cause or intensify a range of mental health challenges for teens of color, such as trauma or trauma exposure; depression and anxiety; chronic stress; and suicidal tendencies. Join Mountain Laurel Integrated Healthcare as we observe Minority Mental Health Awareness Month throughout the month of July, and offer an array of professional services and treatments for all minorities throughout the year.

🖤 Black Mental Health Matters 🖤 July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, and it's time to shine a light on the unique mental health challenges faced by the Black community. At I-Nspire Community Coalition, we're dedicated to advocating for equitable services and a continuum of care for all. 🔹 Education and Awareness: Join us for workshops and webinars on mental health topics relevant to our community. Knowledge is power! 🔹 Partnerships: We're teaming up with local mental health professionals and organizations to offer resources and support. Stay tuned for more details! 🔹 Policy Advocacy: We need policies that provide better mental health care access and quality. Your voice matters—let's advocate for change together! 🔹 Support Groups: We are creating safe spaces for sharing and support. Connect with others who understand and care. 🔹 Resources: Check out our website for information packets, local resources, and hotlines. You are not alone.Together, we can make a difference. Let’s ensure everyone in our community has access to the mental health care they deserve. 💪🏾💚 #MinorityMentalHealthAwarenessMonth #BlackMentalHealthMatters #aspiretoinspire #EmpoweringCommunities #InspiringChange #inspirecommunitycoalition

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being for all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity. However, mental health disparities exist for Black people due to systemic racism, historical trauma, and social determinants of health. It is essential to recognize and address these disparities to ensure that Black individuals have access to culturally competent mental health care and support. During Mental Health Awareness Month, it is important for Black people to prioritize their mental health and seek help if needed. This can involve seeking therapy, practicing self-care, and engaging in conversations about mental health within their communities. It is also important for allies to show up and support Black people in their mental health journey by listening, advocating for resources, and challenging stigma and discrimination. Additionally, it is crucial for mental health professionals and organizations to provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care for Black individuals. This can involve training staff on issues of race and mental health, providing resources and support tailored to the needs of Black clients, and advocating for policy changes that address mental health disparities within the Black community. Overall, Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote mental health and well-being for all individuals, including Black people. By actively engaging in conversations and activities that support mental health, we can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society for everyone. #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #blackmentalhealthmatters

Best Starts for Kids gets this right every time: "Mental health promotion often looks like helping babies, kids, and young people build strong family bonds, community connections, and learn healthy coping strategies early on." Check out this feature on building intentional connections and care through community. https://lnkd.in/dWfvNge2

Championing Mental Health for Black Men and All Angelenos: A Call to Action for the City of Los Angeles  By Dr. Jermaine A. Williams PsyD Dear Los Angeles City Leaders, I am writing to urge you to prioritize mental health awareness and support, for ALL MEN, but particularly for black men in Los Angeles. Black men face unique challenges that can significantly impact their mental well-being. These include fatherless homes, economic disparity, and a higher risk of gang violence in their schools and in their neighborhood. Unfortunately, stigma surrounding mental health and a lack of culturally competent care often prevent Black men from seeking help. This silence has devastating consequences, with Black men having disproportionately high rates of suicide and other mental health issues. Some even become victims of street violence and gang related activity that goes unspoken. However, mental health struggles are not limited to any one group. Men in general are less likely to seek help for mental health concerns due to societal pressures to appear strong.  Here's why YOU can make a significant difference: Leadership: By openly discussing mental health and prioritizing it in city initiatives, Los Angeles can set a powerful example for CHANGE & HOPE Accessibility: The city can invest in culturally competent mental health services in neighborhoods most affected by Gang Activity and offer support Community Outreach: LA Opera can Collaborate with local organizations to develop educational programs and performances that address mental health. Challenge The Stigma. Imagine the positive impact Los Angeles could have by: Funding mental health programs in schools and community centers. Providing training to city employees on recognizing and responding to mental health issues in the classroom. Partnering with LA Opera to create artistic productions that explore mental health themes and celebrate resilience. By working together, Los Angeles can foster a culture of open dialogue and support, allowing men of all backgrounds to prioritize their mental well-being. This will lead to stronger families, a healthier community, and a more vibrant city. Thank you for your time and consideration. I urge you to take action and become a champion for mental health in Los Angeles. PS. Below is a Special invite to our first Blk Men's Mental Health In Business Talk hope to see you there -- FROM THE OFFICE OF Quality Counseling & Life Coaching LLC Oregon. California. Washington Office Phone: 360-812-2773 Direct Messenger: simplyalexander65@gmail.com www.qualityhelp.biz

Today, on National Sorry Day, we pause to remember and reflect on the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities. This day is a vital reminder of the historical injustices and ongoing impacts these actions have had on Indigenous communities. The trauma experienced by the Stolen Generations has profound and lasting effects on mental health. Many individuals and families continue to grapple with the emotional and psychological repercussions of these policies. Acknowledging this history is a crucial step toward healing and reconciliation. At MindCare Collective, we recognize the importance of addressing the mental health needs of Indigenous communities. Understanding the deep-seated impacts of past injustices allows us to provide more empathetic and effective support. It also reinforces our commitment to promoting mental health awareness and advocacy for all individuals, regardless of their background. As we commemorate National Sorry Day, let's renew our commitment to reconciliation and the mental well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples ! #NationalSorryDay #Reconciliation #MentalHealth #IndigenousRights #StolenGenerations #Healing #Inclusion #MindCareCollective

Join the Center of Excellence for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation for Centering Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Children and Families to Combat Racial Bias! Date/Time: April 25, 2024, from 3:00 - 4:30 pm EST The third in their series of resources to support infant and early childhood mental health consultants and supervisors to strengthen cultural responsiveness in IECMHC for children and families in Tribal, African American, Latin American, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities (AANHPI). The resources include promising practices aligned with the Revised IECMHC Competencies to strengthen culturally and linguistically responsive IECMHC practices. This third resource focuses on the importance of combating anti-AANHPI bias and promoting connection & belonging for IECMH consultants, supervisors, and leaders working with AANHPI children, families, and communities.

It's been a busy & impactful fall at SCI Social Capital Inc.! Read our latest news via the link below, including a recap of our program on youth mental health & social media. #mentalhealth #cultivatingconnections #socialmedia