The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) today released the following statement from CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., regarding recent racist incidents across the country and their impact on mental health:
“The effect of racism and racial trauma on mental health is real and cannot be ignored. The disparity in access to mental health care in communities of color cannot be ignored. The inequality and lack of cultural competency in mental health treatment cannot be ignored.
“Our nation’s African American community is going through an extremely painful experience, pain that has been inflicted upon this community repeatedly throughout history and is magnified by mass media and repeated deaths. We stand with all the families, friends and communities who have lost loved ones senselessly due to racism. And, with more than 100,000 lives lost to the coronavirus pandemic – disproportionately from minority communities – these recent deaths add gasoline to the fire of injustice.
“While there is much we need to do to address racism in our country, we must not forget the importance of mental health as we do so. Racism is a public health crisis.
“As the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, it is our responsibility to serve all. While as an organization we are still early in our intentional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion journey and have much to do, we have renewed our commitment to our values. We continue to strive to deliver help and hope to all who need it.
“NAMI stands in solidarity with everyone impacted across the country. You are not alone.”
Local Black Mental Health Resources
There are a variety of mental health resources available for people of color, but we have provided a few local resources below.
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
The Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective is a training, movement building, and grant making organization dedicated to the healing, wellness, and liberation of Black and marginalized communities. Learn more.
Black Mental Health Alliance
The Black Mental Health Alliance develops, promotes, and sponsors trusted culturally-relevant educational forums, trainings and referral services that support the health and well-being of Black people and other vulnerable communities. Learn more.
Open Path Collective
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective provides middle and lower-income individuals, couples, families, and children with access to affordable psychotherapy and mental health education services. Learn more.
National Black Mental Health Resources
PsychHub with collaboration from Mental Health Professionals of the African-American community put together a comprehensive list of resources to help Black people and other people of color care for their mental health through the trauma of racism. Learn more.
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