BIPOC Mental Health Month
July, 2020

Formally recognized in May 2008, Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness was created to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face in regard to mental illness in the United States. 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. Each July, we aim to shed light on the multitude of mental health experiences within BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities and others that face disproportionate inequities due to systemic barriers and historical adversity. Follow us on our social media pages for more insights, articles and inspiring quotes surrounding this important matter.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mental Health Care: Evidence and Policy Implications
Abstract: In the mental health arena, unlike general health, health care disparities predominate over disparities in mental health per se. Strategies to improve health care in general, such as improving access to care and improving the quality of care, would do much to eliminate mental health care disparities. However, a diverse mental health workforce, as well as provider and patient education, are important to eliminating mental health care disparities.
Access this peer-reviewed paper for free here.
Free accreditation:
Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals
Cultural and linguistic competency is recognized as an important strategy for improving the quality of care provided to clients from diverse backgrounds. Take some time this month to learn how to better respect and respond to your client's unique needs in this free, online training. This program, provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, is accredited for 4 – 5.5 contact hours for counselors, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. Other professionals may earn a Statement of Participation. Click here   t o enroll.
Mental Health Screening
Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Conditions range from depression to PTSD to eating disorders. If you’ve had trouble sleeping lately, if you’ve been experiencing racing thoughts, or if you’re just curious – the screens can help you understand more about your mental health. Following the screening, you will be provided with information, resources, and tools to help you understand and improve your mental health. Take your screening test here.
Things to Do in Georgia State Parks While Social Distancing this Summer
Long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put some members of racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk of getting COVID-19 or experiencing severe illness, regardless of age. Stay safe, stay distant. Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites offer ideal locations to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor and family activities. From the mountains to the coastal marshes, you'll find every imaginable terrain, and every way to enjoy it. Not only are they closer to your home, they are closer to your interests and passions, too! Check out all the activities available here.
Leadership Empowerment & Access Program
LEAP is a youth development and leadership training program. It's goal is to support young people (16-26 years of age) master the ability to analyze strengths and weaknesses, set and achieve personal and vocational goals through training, apprenticeships and volunteering.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please contact Maegan-Charjoi Pringle at meagan@mhageorgia.org or visit www.mhageorgia.org/leap
If you or someone you know has a passion for youth development, apply to become a LEAP volunteer. We are looking for professionals in the Metro-Atlanta area, from diverse backgrounds who are willing to provide opportunities for career development for LEAP participants. There are many ways in which you can help; you can provide informational interviews and job shadowings or facilitate workshops, just to name a few. Click on the link above to apply.
Mental Health Academy
A message from the National Council for Behavioral Health
The National Council for Behavioral Health was instrumental in bringing Mental Health First Aid to the United States
The National Council is pleased to announce that you will soon have the option to teach Mental Health First Aid virtually.

As America practices physical distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19, we must find new ways to provide people with the tools to support themselves and their communities. The virtual delivery option will better equip family, friends and neighbors to help one another during these difficult times.

How it Works
The new virtual delivery option includes a 2-hour self-paced course followed by 4 hours of Instructor led training delivered virtually through our learning management system (LMS). In order to provide adequate support for the students and maintain the efficacy of the course, a course led by one Instructor will be limited to 10 participants and a course lead by two co-Instructors will be limited to 20 participants.

What it will Include
The course will use our new curricula, including expanded content on trauma, addiction and self-care. Youth MHFA will include content applicable for adults working with youth experiencing other stressors, including the impact of social media. All content is gender neutral and culturally relevant.

When it will be Available
MHFA USA is in the final stages of developing the virtual delivery of MHFA, and we are currently piloting the program in communities across the country. All Instructors are now eligible to become certified in the virtual delivery option and new curricula! Register for your certification here .
Distance Learning

Over the past couple of months, we have been providing free virtual mental wellness webinars to help us all get through these trying times. Topics range from wellness support for families and caregivers to forums on the state's response to the mental health crisis.

If you missed any, you can still view them here.
Advocacy Center
Georgia Legislature Approves
Hate Crime Bill Passed
The State Capitol took a pause to record Governor Brian Kemp to sign  HB 426 , the hate crimes bill in Georgia. "The signing of HB 426 is a sign of progress and a milestone worth applauding. This legislation will enhance public safety and ensure that justice is served for all Georgians - regardless of race, gender, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation.... " -Governor Kemp.

As of June 25, 2020, Georgia will no longer be one of the last four states without a hate crimes law. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 47-6 and was immediately transmitted to the House, which then passed the House for final passage by a vote of 127-38. This law will allow enhanced criminal penalties for people who target others because of their race, gender, sexual orientation or other reasons. MHA of GA celebrates the bipartisan effort in passing this vital piece of legislation into law.
In the Community
Virtual Series from the
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Back on May 4th, MHA of GA's Executive Director, served as a panelist for the second episode in a virtual series on mental health disparities hosted by the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The webinar was titled: States' Failing Mental Health Parity Laws, addressed the steps that leaders can take to enforce mental health parity and how you can engage in public education efforts to ensure that people know their rights. Follow this link to watch this thought provoking webinar plus the rest of the webinars from this series.
Clinical Trials
In partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health, each month we will be highlighting mental health related clinical trials. We believe participating in clinical trials is very important as it progresses knowledge on mental health. Furthermore, participants in clinical trials should represent the patients that will be using the medical products, though this is often not the case. Racial and ethnic minorities are underrepresented in clinical trials. This is a concern because people of different ages, races, and ethnicities may react differently to medical products. Please consider contributing to science, especially if you identify as a minority. Participation is always voluntary, free and sometimes even compensated.

Click each trial to learn more:

Community Spotlight
Georgia Appleseed advances justice for all Georgia’s children, with a particular focus on children experiencing poverty, children with disabilities, and children who experience the effects of institutional bias and racism. Justice requires that every child has access to strong, nurturing schools and a healthy home.

Their 3 current priorities are to:
  • Keep kids in school and out of the criminal justice system
  • Promote supports for students with behavior and learning challenges
  • Ensure children and their families have safe and healthy housing

MHA of GA looks forward to working with our partner to improve the lives of Georgia's children and their families.
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