MHA KY BIPOC Mental Health Month

About BIPOC Mental Health Month

Formally recognized in June 2008 (and currently designated as), Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was created to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face in regard to mental illness in the US. Bebe Moore Campbell was an American author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate who worked tirelessly to shed light on the mental health needs of the Black community and other underrepresented communities.

 

To continue the visionary work of Bebe Moore Campbell, each year Mental Health America (MHA) develops resources dedicated to addressing and supporting the mental health needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

2024 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit

In this 2024 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit in commemoration of Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Health Awareness Month, you will find a wide range of resources to help you and members of your community recognize the unique challenges faced by BIPOC individuals – along with tools to help break down those barriers and foster constructive dialogue around mental well-being. These include a cross-generational conversation guide; myth-busting some common cultural stereotypes related to BIPOC mental health; and a worksheet to help communities cope when they are under attack, just to name a few. We hope you find this toolkit useful and affirming in its reflection of the strength and example of BIPOC and minoritized communities as well as a reflection of the remaining barriers to equity that we must confront. Beyond BIPOC Mental Health Month, we work to advance all that Bebe Moore Campbell stood for in her work and in her character. Please stay tuned for more information about upcoming webinars and other cutting edge related programs.

To order printed copies of the 2024 BIPOC Mental Health Month toolkit, email joni@mhaky.org.

2023 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit

The theme of Mental Health America’s 2023 BIPOC Mental Health campaign is Culture, Community, & Connection. Our lives are deeply intertwined with our environments, and these surroundings impact our mental health and overall wellness. Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) populations are faced with disproportionate amounts of historical trauma and displacement that can challenge their ability to thrive in their environments. However, culture, community, and connection are pillars that support and uplift BIPOC individuals in the face of oppression and systemic racism.

Click here to order printed copies of “Culture, Community, & Connection” materials.

2022 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit

Mental Health America recognizes that Black, Indigenous, and people of color have rich histories that go #BeyondTheNumbers. While there are stories of resilience born out of oppression, persecution, and abuse, there is immeasurable strength in each of these cultures. In an increasingly diversified America, we acknowledge the specificity of individual and group experiences and how it relates to their beliefs and well-being. BIPOC communities are significantly more likely to develop mental health conditions, and one of the major barriers to mental health treatment is access and the need for understanding mental health support. #BeyondTheNumbers explores the nuances and uniqueness in BIPOC communities.

 

This year’s theme for BIPOC Mental Health Month is #BeyondTheNumbers. Join us and together, we will gain knowledge on historical context, systems of support, and actionable ways to move forward toward a mentally healthy future.

Click here to order printed copies of “Beyond The Numbers” materials.

2020 BIPOC Mental Health toolkit

Culture, Community, & Connection

BIPOC Mental Health Month

BIPOC Mental Health Month – Black, Indigenous, People of Color Mental Health Month – began under this name in 2020. “Minority” had long been an antiquated and even derogatory term in modern vernacular and the racial unrest in 2019 and 2020 gave prominence and preference to the BIPOC term. What hasn’t changed is that BIPOC face unique challenges and disparities in daily life which affect their mental health. BIPOC also face many health disparities in Kentucky and the United States which must be understood, challenged and addressed.

 

Download the BIPOC Mental Health Month Toolkit in English.

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Want More Information?

Mental Illnesses are brain-based conditions that affect thinking, emotions, and behaviors. Since we all have brains – having some kind of mental health problem during your life is really common. No matter what kind of mental health problem someone is facing, it is always possible to get better. If you think you’re experiencing a mental illness, try to find any kind of support earlier than later. Like other illness, treating mental illnesses early can help you get better faster.

We welcome the opportunity to assist you! We are available via phone, text, and email most weekdays. Please call 859.684.7778 or email mhaky@mhaky.org if you have urgent questions that are not covered here at this time!

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