The Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) joins Mental Health America and others across the U.S. in recognizing July as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health Month.
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A History of Mental Health Advocacy for
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"Once my loved ones accepted the diagnosis, healing began for the entire family, but it took too long…We need a national campaign to destigmatize mental illness, especially one targeted toward African Americans...It's not shameful to have a mental illness. Get treatment. Recovery is possible."
–Bebe Moore Campbell, Mental Health Advocate for BIPOC Communities
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Bebe Moore Campbell,
A Towering Advocate for BIPOC Communities
Certainly, many of us can acknowledge the toll that recent events have taken on our well-being. The pandemic, global warming fears, gun violence, unprovoked wars and high-profile racist attacks are pervasive media stories. Mental health service providers, crisis call centers and emergency departments have noted a dramatic increase in demand for services. For underrepresented groups, particularly Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) the last few years have exacerbated an already difficult path to navigate and access mental health services.
Illness and disease do not discriminate based on race, gender, color, or identity, but these factors can present hurdles that affect the BIPOC community due to institutional racism, cultural bias, and socioeconomic status. Bebe Moore Campbell was determined to change this.
An American author, journalist and teacher, Campbell became a mental health advocate who worked tirelessly to illuminate the lack of understanding regarding mental health needs of the BIPOC community and to promote more equitable access to mental health services. Click here to read more.
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A Gathering for LGBTQ Womyn of Color
Creating a Safe Space for LGBTQ Womyn
By Beth Wade, Public Relations Specialist, MHANJ in Atlantic County
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Kim Reynolds and La Verne Saunders, co-facilitators of LGBTQ Womyn of Color Gathering |
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MHANJ provides many online groups to engage BIPOC communities. We are highlighting one of them in this issue. Thank you to Kim Reynolds and La Verne Saunders for co-facilitating LGBTQ Womyn of Color Gathering.
With grace, gratitude, and eloquence for which they are known, La Verne Saunders and Kim Reynolds speak about a group that is especially endeared to each of them. Together, they are providing a safe space for a community, which Kim describes as underserved, undervalued, overlooked, and marginalized.
LGBTQ Womyn of Color Gathering meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6 pm. It is provided through MHANJ, PEWS and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement programs. To receive a link for this or other groups, email: familiesofcolor@mhanj.org.
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United By Wellness Marks First Birthday |
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MHANJ’s United by Wellness (UBW)
leaders, Michelle Price, Carolyn Quinn and Robert Kley provided a presentation about the highly successful program at
Mental Health America’s
National Conference in June.
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MHANJ’s Virtual Wellness Center (UBW) turns One and takes center stage at national conference!
A year ago, it was evident that the fall-out from the COVID-19 pandemic included increased feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness and related emotional and mental health challenges for many. These issues were often complicated with restrictions regarding in-person meetings, the usual work-life balance struggles, transportation concerns, childcare and other needs. Knowing the positive reception that MHANJ’s in-person groups received as they morphed to on-line, its peer leadership embarked upon a challenge: How can we make it easy for people consumed by these hardships to benefit from the camaraderie and emotional fellowship afforded through a mental health support group?
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BIPOC Events and Workshops
PLEASE JOIN US!
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MESSAGES OF HOPE and CELEBRATION |
A free family friendly event with parking
Donations are welcome
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DEVELOPING ALLIES for LGBTQ
BIPOC WOMYN
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MHANJ takes PRIDE in mental Health! Pictured are a team of representatives marching and sharing mental health information and resources at
the recent 17th Annual Newark LGBTQ Legacy of Liberation Pride.
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Follow MHANJ's Social Media for Updates and Inspiration |
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Suggestions?
If you have any suggestions on how the MHANJ can serve the community,
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Mental Health Association in New Jersey | 800-367-8850 | info@mhanj.org |
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