July 2026

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed to bring awareness to unique challenges that racial and ethnic minority communities face regarding mental illness in the United States [5] such as disparities in mental health service utilization and quality of care. These disparities are often due to cultural misunderstandings and lack of access to appropriate providers. Additionally, racial discrimination influenced by geographic location and insurance status can result in poorer mental health outcomes, including higher rates of depression and substance use disorders. Lastly, medical mistrust, stemming from historical and ongoing discrimination, contributes to under diagnosis and hesitancy in seeking mental health care among minority populations [4]. 

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National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 2008, honoring author and advocate Bebe Moore Campbell who intentionally placed content in her works of art which address the profound impact of racism, mental health, culture, community and connection in the Black, indigenous, and people of color communities. As a result, she became a national change agent by sharing her understanding of the detrimental consequences of silence rooted in stigma [1].
 
Mental health impacts how one thinks and feels and includes emotional, mental and social well-being [5]. In 2024, Black/African adults were more likely to report persistent emotional distress (such as sadness or feeling like everything is an effort) than white adults yet are 36% less likely to receive treatment [2]. Those who are Non-Hispanic Multiracial, are reported to have the highest annual prevalence of mental illness among U.S. adults, at 36% [3]. Asian and Black adult populations reported more difficulty than their White counterparts finding a provider who understood their background and experiences. Hispanic adults had the highest proportion reporting they did not receive mental health care, primarily because they did not know how to find a provider (24%) or they were afraid or embarrassed to seek care (30%). [4]

But there is hope in 2026 and future years to come! We can turn awareness into action by considering reaching out to your human resources department to discuss and potentially use employee assistance programs (EAPs), The Family and Medical Leave Act, (FMLA) if offered by your employer, supporting employee resource groups (ERGs), training managers to recognize and respond to mental health concerns in an inclusive and safe manner by being an ally and supporting someone in a crisis. This can be done by reaching out to or sharing the various mental health resources such as in this list below, as well as actively showing up for them in support groups, peer support groups, or public initiatives [4]. These various efforts demonstrate an organization's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee well-being while helping address disparities in mental health awareness, treatment, and outcomes.

The organizations below provide culturally responsive mental health and social support services for minority communities [4]:

• Jewish Family Service offers services such as food assistance, housing support, mental health counseling, aging care, employment services, and refugee resettlement. It serves people of all backgrounds.
• Naseeha Mental Health provides a 24/7 confidential helpline, online therapy, educational resources, and information on income-based mental health assistance for Muslim communities.
• Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) promotes mental wellness through a network of therapists, community organizations, and healing initiatives focused on supporting marginalized communities.
• National Latino Behavioral Health Association works to improve behavioral health equity for Latino communities by increasing access to culturally and linguistically appropriate services, research, and workforce development.
• Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum supports Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through research, policy advocacy, grants, training, and technical assistance.
• American Indian and Alaska Native National Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan coordinates suicide prevention efforts across tribal organizations, Urban Indian organizations, and the Indian Health Service through culturally informed health, education, and community programs.

References

[1] About Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. (2026, January 6). NAMI. https://www.nami.org/stay-connected/events/awareness-events/bebe-moore-…

[2] Office of Minority Health. (2024). Mental and behavioral health – Black/African Americans. Office of Minority Health. https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mental-and-behavioral-health-blackafrica…

[3] Mental Health By the Numbers. (2025, December 22). NAMI. https://www.nami.org/mental-health-by-the-numbers/

[4] Santoro, C. (2025, July 18). Addressing Racial Disparities in Minority Mental Health and Finding Support in 2025. AJMC. https://www.ajmc.com/view/addressing-racial-disparities-in-minority-men…

[5]Commissioner, O. of the. (2024). National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/knowledge-and-news-women-owh-blog/nationa…

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