Join us for a discussion with Gustavo Rodriguez about Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Gustavo Rodriguez is Director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Austin. Gustavo has experience in Education and Curriculum Development in Theology, was a High School teacher for many years, and has served the Diocese of Austin in different roles for 18 years. He is passionate about accompanying individuals in their faith journey as they reach their educational goals and experience an encounter with Christ.
This NCPD Live is also offered on July 20 in Spanish:
Celebrando el Mes Nacional Sobre la Salud Mental de las Minorías
3pm ET
Did you know?
U.S. House of Representatives announced July as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in May of 2008.
Despite measurable advances in health equity, disparities in mental health care persist especially in diverse and/or marginalized communities. When trying to access mental health services, diverse communities have to contend with language barriers; decreased access to care; lower chance of health care coverage; bias and discrimination in treatment settings, in addition to the usual road blocks in an already fragmented health care system.
Many cultures also view mental health treatment as a luxury, considering symptoms a “phase” that will eventually pass. These harmful perceptions of mental illness can further isolate individuals who desperately need help.
Limited access to mental health services and failure to provide culturally competent treatment contribute to poor mental health outcomes including suicide, among ethnic minority populations.
Helpful Resources
Minority Mental Health Month:
https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Minority-Mental-Health-Awareness-Month/Learn-About-Minority-Mental-Health-Month
National Alliance on Mental Illness:
https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Minority-Mental-Health-Awareness-Month
Mental Health America – Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions in Specific Populations (Black & African American, Latino/Hispanic, Native American, Asian American/Pacific Islander):
https://www.mhanational.org/mentalhealthfacts