National Minority Mental Health Month Raises Awareness of Challenges Facing Racial, Ethnic Groups

By: Tracy Townsend, 10 WBNS, July 15, 2024

COLUMBUS, Ohio — July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. The yearly observance is focused on raising awareness about the challenges facing racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S. when it comes to mental illness.

Medical experts say mental health includes emotional, mental and social well-being. It impacts how a person thinks and feels. It also affects how you act, manage stress and make choices. When you care for your mental health, you can better cope with stress or challenges.

Health Policy Institute of Ohio Releases Graphic on National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

By: Health Policy Institute of Ohio, July 12, 2024

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and Ohio data shows that Black and Hispanic Ohioans experience more mental distress than the state overall and are also more likely to face challenges in obtaining needed mental health care.
 
According to 2021 data from the Ohio Medicaid Assessment Survey (OMAS), 12.3% of Hispanic adults in Ohio and 10.7% of Black adults in Ohio reported feeling mentally distressed for 14 or more days over the past month, compared to the overall state rate of 8.2%, as illustrated above. That equals more than 110,000 Black Ohioans and more than 35,000 Hispanic Ohioans reporting frequent mental distress.

Call for CHW Award Nominations Now Open: Community Health Worker Statewide Conference

Join Health Impact Ohio, The Ohio State University, Ohio University, and the Ohio Community Health Worker Association for the annual Community Health Worker Statewide Conference on October 24th and 25th, 2024, at the Quest Conference Center in Columbus Ohio!

Community Health Workers are the true boots on the ground connecting with the community, serving as trusted advocates, and working to create a healthier Ohio. That’s why we want to recognize admirable CHWs during our 2024 Ohio Statewide Conference. Nominations are due by August 11th.

Join the African American Wellness Agency for the 2024 AA Wellness Day on August 10th

Join the African American Wellness Agency for a transformative day dedicated to the health, well-being, and empowerment of Black men and their families.

What to Expect:

Free Health Screenings: Prioritize your health. From blood pressure checks to more comprehensive screenings.

Kids Area: A day for the entire family! There's something for everyone at the walk! Let your little ones engage in fun, interactive, and educational activities centered around health and wellness.

Senior Pavilion: It's critical to the mission of AA Wellness Day to promote wellness for the entire Black community. That's why we have a special pavilion with activities just for our Golden citizens.

Entertainment: Celebrate with us! From live music to performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy.