Supporting the Mental Health of BIPOC Youth and Families

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, often known as BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month. While mental health conditions can impact anyone regardless of race, color, gender, or identity, multicultural students and families often experience unique challenges in getting access and appropriate treatment for mental health care.

As school mental and behavioral health professionals, leaders, and educators and others within school communities support the mental health and well-being of students and families with diverse backgrounds, cultural and linguistic competencies are incredibly important strategies for improving the quality and sensitivity of care.

Below we have compiled several resources to strengthen learning and awareness to better support the mental health needs of students and families with diverse backgrounds.
Resources
2021 BIPOC Mental Health Month Toolkit
This toolkit, developed by Mental Health America, shares information and highlights strategies and supports created by communities of color, for communities of color. The toolkit explores community care, self-directed care, and culturally-based practices.
Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals
This free, online training program from Think Cultural Health and the Department of Health and Human Services helps behavioral health professionals to increase their cultural and linguistic competency. The training is approved for contact hours for counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, etc.
BIPOC Mental Health Resources
From ASHA International, this webpage features a compilation of valuable resources to support mental health and self-care for individuals who are Black, Brown, Indigenous, and people of color.
Mental Health Resources for Young People of Color
This comprehensive list of resources developed by 2U includes a variety of mental health-focused content and resources, tailored to support young people of color.
CHHCS Resources
Did you know that our team provides technical assistance and consultancy services?

As school districts create plans to address the growing mental and social-emotional health challenges in their school communities, our team of experts is available to help assess your needs and assets and develop recommendations for strengthening school-based mental health and wellness systems and supports. 

Contact us at chhcs@gwu.edu for more information on services and fees!

Grant Alerts
Afterschool Grants | YSA
Grants to support youth-led or service learning opportunities during afterschool programs. Learn more.
Deadline: July 30, 2021
Youth Running Program Grants | Road Runners Club of America
Funding to support youth running programs that encourage regular exercise and healthy habits through running. Learn more.
Deadline: August 1, 2021
Please note that CHHCS does not administer funding opportunities. Please refer to each organization for additional direction and details.
Job Opportunities
Therapeutic Teacher | Serendipity Center (Portland, OR)
Integrate mental health supports and teach academic and life skills subjects to students with complex handicapping conditions. Learn more.
School Case Manager | Green Dot Public Schools (Los Angeles, CA)
Ensure students and families are connected to appropriate school and community services to address barriers to learning. Learn more.
Classroom Therapist | Seneca Family of Agencies (Hayward, CA)
Provide therapeutic mental health, case management, and consultation services to students and families. Learn more.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
October 14-15, 2021
Hosted by National Center for School Mental Health
The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools (CHHCS) Weekly Insider is a web-enhanced newsletter that offers news alerts, grant announcements and general web site updates delivered directly to your email box on a weekly basis. The Center is located at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
© 2021 Center for Health and Health Care in Schools