National Minority Mental Health Month

Happy July! Can you believe how fast summer is flying by? Before the month comes to an end, though, did you know that July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month? It was first started by Bebe Moore Campbell, an American author, writer, and mental health advocate, who wanted to break the stigma of mental health within the African-American community. Now, it has spread to almost every person of color around the United States of America.

Bebe Moore Campbell witnessed firsthand how mental health concerns in communities of color were often overlooked or dismissed. One recent example is how, for decades, African-American individuals with mental health issues were more likely to be criminalized than treated, contributing to the decreased mental health within these communities. Her advocacy brought attention to the fact that cultural barriers, lack of access, and systemic racism have historically prevented many people of color from receiving proper mental health support.

This month holds deep personal meaning for me because I’ve seen how silence around mental health can deeply affect individuals and families. Growing up in an immigrant household, mental health can be something that is often ignored. However, with the observance of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, it provides a valuable opportunity to break that silence, honor the work of advocates like Campbell, and continue pushing for equitable, culturally competent mental health care.

Whatever you do this month, as long as you have the right intention, the effort will be greatly appreciated. I hope this month, we

are all able to spread mental health awareness, especially to those who need it the most.

References

“BIPOC Mental Health Month | Mental Health America.” Mental Health America, 10 

Mar. 2025, mhanational.org/bipoc-mental-health/bipoc-mental-health-month/.

“BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month - Mental Health America of Putnam 

County.” Mental Health America of Putnam County, 22 July 2020, www.mhaopc.org/bipoc-mental-health-awareness-month/. Accessed 14 July 2025.

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