Nineteen Fifty-Six Vol. 2 No. 5

According to a report in the National Library of Medicine,
63% of African Americans said depression is a sign of
personal weakness.
“Growing up in India, I saw prominent members of society
talk about mental health and greatly help break some of
the stigmas in India,” said Allam. “In the same way, I think
prominent figures in the Black community speaking out
and promoting mental health can be one way to break
current stigmas.”
Outreach coordinator Eric Henckel connects community
members to Sunshine Behavioral Health. Henckel also
promotes resources such as a guide that discusses mental
health issues affecting the Black community.
10.1%
of African Americans were uninsured,
compared to
of white Americans.
6.3%
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
“By sharing this resource and others, we can help start a
conversation about how racism and discrimination affect
the mental health of African Americans,” said Henckel.
“Education and outreach can help reduce the shame and
stigma associated with mental illness and mental health
treatment in the African American community.”
Mental health professionals are taking steps to decrease
the amount of mental health disparities that impact Black
Americans.
Allam said Sunshine Behavioral Health is actively working
to eliminate mental health issues that the Black community
faces.
“Sunshine Behavioral Health is spreading awareness
through well-researched guides, free nonprofit addiction
directories, community presentations and partnerships
with local organizations,” said Allam. “We also provide
scholarships and payment plans for substance abuse
treatment to ensure people of all incomes can access the
best available options with us or another program.”
90%
Hardamon said Old Vineyard Behavioral Health Services
partnered with the National Action Alliance for Suicide
Prevention to positively impact communities and change
the conversation.
“There needs to be more outreach by mental health
providers to the Black community,” said Hardamon.
“Educating the Black community about mental health
and affordable treatment options is a step in the right
direction.”
90% of Black Americans over the age
of 12 with a substance use disorder
went untreated.
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