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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
WHERAS, in 2008, July was nationally declared as Bebe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, and;
WHERAS, Bebe Moore Campbell was an American author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate who worked to bring awareness to the mental health needs of Black and other underrepresented communities, and;
WHERAS, The World Health Organization (WHO) projects depression will surpass cancer, AIDS, and heart disease as the leading cause of death, and;
WHERAS, new DNA research in Epigenetics and generational trauma suggests that experiencing intense psychological trauma may have a genetic impact on a person’s future children; and we must abate this growing trend, and;
WHERAS, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, 31.5% of adults from racial and ethnic minority groups with mental illness received treatment, compared to 48.7% of white adults, and;
WHERAS, increased rates of suicide among Black adolescent and young adult youth, African Americans and our first responders creates even further alarm, and;
WHERAS, according to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black adults in the U.S. are more likely than White adults to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress and sadness, and;
WHERAS, the National Latino and Asian American Study reported that Asian Americans were less likely to use mental health services than their white counterparts, and;
WHERAS, Black adolescents, between the ages of 12-18, have been characterized as a particularly disadvantaged group given misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis of certain mental health disorders, and underdiagnosis of others, and limited access to mental health treatment, and;
WHERAS, Black adolescents living with mental health disorders are less likely than non-Black adolescents with mental health disorders to receive treatment, and;
WHERAS, mental health disorders amongst Black adolescents are associated with adverse early childhood experiences, exposure to trauma, and social-environmental stress, and;
WHERAS, Black adolescents from urban, under-resourced environments are also at risk for poor mental health outcomes due to increased exposure to violence and other types of traumatic events, and;
WHERAS, Black adolescents, both those who receive mental health treatment and those who do not, may still continue to be at a significant disadvantage as their symptoms may not be properly treated, and;
WHERAS Black adolescents have lower rates of utilization of mental health services due to the stigma centered around therapy and discrimination, and;
WHERAS, Black adults living below the poverty line are more than twice as likely to report serious psychological distress than those with more financial security, and;
WHERAS, according to the American Psychological Association, APA, one in three African Americans who need mental health care receive it, and;
WHERAS, the proportion of people reporting frequent thoughts of suicide or self-harm is highest among Native American or American Indians. The second highest is amongst Black or African Americans, and;
WHERAS, adults identify cost concerns and scheduling difficulties as primary barriers to mental health care. Hispanic, Black, and Asian adults disproportionately report additional challenges, such as finding a provider who can understand their background and experiences, lack of information, stigma or embarrassment, and;
WHERAS, according to the Center for Disease Control, CDC, Hispanic adults reported a higher prevalence of psychosocial stress related to not having enough food or stable housing than did adults in other racial and ethnic groups, and;
WHERAS, racism both negatively affects the mental and physical health, preventing those impacted from attaining their highest level of health, and consequently, affecting the health of our nation, and;
WHERAS, the stigma surrounding mental health issues in minority communities may prevent individuals from seeking help due to cultural beliefs and fear of discrimination, and;
WHERAS, diversity, inclusion, and microaggressions and the impact on the workplace culture is a growing concern, and;
WHERAS, prevalence of serious mental illness coupled with substance abuse disorders and the opioid epidemic exacerbates the current crisis, and;
WHERAS, the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a disproportionate impact on the mental health of African Americans, and;
WHERAS, older Blacks disproportionately report experiencing discrimination and, as a result, may be at greater risk of feeling hopeless, resulting in mental unrest, and;
WHERAS, one out of four adults and one out of five children suffer from a mental health condition. Extreme poverty rates, such as those seen in the Austin, Garfield Park and Lawndale Westside community service areas, increase the likelihood of mental health issues, and;
WHERAS, the National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is celebrated each July to raise awareness about the unique struggles faced by racial and ethnic minority communities in the U.S. regarding mental illness. However, the importance of prioritizing minority mental health extends far beyond a single month, and;
WHERAS, Commissioner Stamps’ efforts to address this crisis are found in the creation of safe spaces at local barbershops staffed with volunteers, faith leaders and mental health professionals through S.H.O.P. talk, Sharing Hope and Overcoming Pressure, and;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the observance of July as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month should help raise awareness of the challenges that affect the mental health of racial and ethnic minority groups. It should also ignite a desire to learn more about mental healthcare and find ways to support mental health equity.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that mental healthcare should be considered an essential part of medical benefits as a service offered widely to both the insured and the uninsured. Exploration of ways to expand mental health advocacy, research, coverage, options for mental wellness, and offerings to all Cook County residents equally is important for the betterment of all residents.
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