MHARI Forms A Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council
The Mental Health Association of Rhode Island (MHARI) is forming a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council because we know that racial and ethnic minorities and immigrants are underrepresented in the mental health consumer and provider communities. Research demonstrates the lack of access and poor quality of mental health care among minorities. One report notes that People of Color “... are less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment for a mental illness, less likely to get help, and are more likely to die by suicide.” Additionally, these communities experience more stigma, and that stigma carries heavier consequences because of the experience of poverty and systemic racism. MHARI wants to change this.
Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Council will advise MHARI’s leadership as we:
- Make diversity an actionable value and priority internally and externally.
- Enhance programs, policies, and processes to be more inclusive of minority communities.
- Increase engagement with underserved communities.
- Establish, fund and promote a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program at MHARI to work on policy development, research, outreach, and advocacy for underserved communities.
- Develop a scholarship program for minority and immigrant graduate students in Mental Health Counseling and Social Work to support future generations of mental health clinicians and expand and diversify Rhode Island’s provider network.
If you wish to volunteer as a member of the DEI Advisory Council, please contact Executive Director Laurie-Marie Pisciotta at laurie.pisciotta@mhari.org.
