While there has been an increased awareness of mental health as a key part of everyone’s overall health, there also has been a growing lack of access to proper care and a mounting stigma that surrounds mental health particularly among Black and underserved communities.
The events of the past several years have called widespread attention to existing disparities in health care access underscored even more by the big divide between those that gain or even seek mental health access and those that do not. Historical trauma, discrimination, lack of education and economic disparities can all contribute to higher rates of mental health disorders and lower access to mental health services in these communities.
The statistics are indeed troublesome. There was an alarming 36.6% increase in suicide deaths among Black children and youth, aged 10-24 in just three years, from 2018 to 2021. Between 2011 and 2021, suicide death rates increased substantially among people of color: 58% among the black community and 39% among the Hispanic community, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While the majority of society largely has become more comfortable engaging in mental health discussions since the pandemic began, members of marginalized communities historically have faced discrimination that impacts their mental health, and they often find the conversation especially difficult to join. There is a significant stigma in these communities about admitting to having mental health issues and therefore seeking help.
As a leader in providing free mental health support, education and advocacy, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Miami-Dade County is a valuable resource for our underserved communities. Our focus is to educate the public about mental health, work to eliminate the stigma of mental illness, and advocate for increased funding for research into the causes and treatment of mental illness, particularly among the marginalized population. Increasing awareness about mental health and its impact on individuals and families is vitally important and will go a long way to helping reduce the stigma associated with it.
NAMI Miami-Dade has a dedicated team including Shara Johnson, NAMI’s Black and Underserved Outreach Coordinator, to specifically provide outreach to schools, churches, organizations, and groups in underserved communities.
NAMI Miami’s Black and Underserved Advisory Committee is dedicated to advising on outreach opportunities and facilitating community access. Our initiative focuses on outreach to older adults, the Haitian community, faith-based organizations, the LGBTQ community, schools, youth, mental health care professionals, law enforcement, and their families. The team has built connections with local grassroots organizations to combine efforts and optimize impact in serving marginalized communities.
NAMI Miami continues its work to spread the word that talking about mental health openly is healthy and leads to important conversations while enabling people to lead healthier, happier lives. For example, NAMI’s Ending the Silence program has been presented in many schools throughout Miami-Dade County and is an engaging 50-minute presentation that helps children and family members learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and how to help a loved one. Educating our youth early is key.
The most popular mental health event that NAMI Miami produces is the signature Walk for Mental Health Awareness which will be held May 18 at Zoo Miami at 8 a.m. Everyone is invited. Last year, more than 2,000 participants came together to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health. It is through these type of community events and outreach programs, that we make a difference in mental health awareness.
NAMI Miami-Dade has a Helpline for those individuals or their family members who are seeking assistance at 305-665-2540. For those who are in crisis, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline of 988 provides immediate crisis intervention and support for individuals or their family members. For those in need of more information or help, visit www.NAMIMiami.org.
Luis Hines is the chair of the NAMI Miami-Dade Black and Underserved Communities Advisory Committee. Shara Johnson is the NAMI Miami-Dade Black and Underserved Communities Initiative outreach coordinator.
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