National BIPOC Mental Health Month serves as an important observance, aiming to raise awareness about the unique mental health experience and challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities by encouraging discussions, support, and actions that address these disparities.¹

Recognizing the importance of mental health and well-being with BIPOC communities is crucial, as systemic inequities and historical trauma have significantly affected individuals' mental health. It is a time to listen, learn and uplift the voices of those who have often been marginalized and underserved, noted by Bebe Moore Campbell ²

Addressing these barriers requires a comprehensive approach including:^{1, 3}:

1. Promoting Awareness and Understanding: it is an opportunity to engage in conversations and increase awareness about the unique challenges faced by BIPOC individuals regarding mental health. It is essential to foster empathy, understanding, and cultural competence within our communities.
2. Access to Culturally Competent Mental Health Care: recognizing the need for accessible, culturally appropriate mental health is vital. Organizations, community leaders, and healthcare providers should strive to create a space where individuals feel safe, understood, and supported. This includes promoting diversity and inclusivity within health professions.
3. Community Support and Advocacy: building a strong support network within the BIPOC community is crucial. Encouraging open dialogue, reducing stigma, and providing space for individuals to share their stories can be empowering and healing. Allies can play a significant role by amplifying BIPOC voices, advocating for policy changes, and supporting organizations that work toward mental health equity.
4. Self-Care and Healing: emphasizing the importance of self-care and healing practices is crucial. Encouraging activities such as mindfulness, meditation, art therapy, and physical exercise can help individuals develop resilience. Manage stress, and improve their overall well-being.
5. Educate Self: take the time to learn about the mental health challenges faced by the BIPOC community. Explore resources, research, and personal narratives to deepen your understanding. By educating ourselves, we can combat stereotypes and promote empathy
6. Advocate for Change: use your voice to advocate for policies
7. Collaborative Care: engaging community leaders, organization, stakeholders in mental health initiative can help build trust, improve outreach, and foster partnership that address the specific needs of BIPOC communities.

As preventionists, we can also take part in these efforts by continuing training with primary care specialists about the importance of the social determinants of health in addressing mental illnesses while also raising awareness of the practice of cultural humility. Look at some resources on Improving Health Outcomes for Diverse Populations, Liberation Approaches in LGBTQ Behavioral Health and The Crossroads of Racial and Sexual/Gender Identity, and How Past is our Past? Why Should We Care About the Impact of Structural Racism on Substance Use to learn about understanding the behaviors contributing to disparities and the marginalization of BIPOC, such as stigma, stereotyping, and macroaggressions.

As we observe National BIPOC Mental Health Month, let us work together to create a world where mental health care is accessible, inclusive, and equitable for all. By advocating for change, supporting one another, and raising awareness, we can foster healing, understanding, and resilience within our communities. By promoting cultural humility, addressing barriers to care, and embracing community-led initiatives, we can strive toward an inclusive, equitable, and supportive mental health landscape for all.

Remember that mental health matters; together, we can make a difference. Let us work towards a future where mental health care is accessible, culturally responsive, and reflective of the diverse needs of BIPOC communities.

1. Understanding Barriers to Minority Mental Health Care. Department of Nursing. https://nursing.usc.edu/blog/discrimination-bad-health-minority-mental-healthcare/. Published May 10, 2018. Accessed June 15, 2023.
2. Torres A. A Pioneer of Equitable Mental Health: Honoring Bebe Moore Campbell. Mental Health America. https://www.mhanational.org/blog/pioneer-equitable-mental-health-honoring-bebe-moore-campbell. Published May 4, 2022. Accessed June 18, 2023.
3. Perzichilli T. The Historical Roots of Racial Disparities in the Mental Health System. Counseling Today. https://ct.counseling.org/2020/05/the-historical-roots-of-racial-disparities-in-the-mental-health-system. Published May 7, 2020. Accessed June 20, 2023.