July is officially Minority Mental Health Awareness. I was invited by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to be part of the California kickoff at the state capitol in Sacramento. We also were able to visit congresspeople and senators advocating for mental health related bills and sharing our stories about how mental health affects our communities.
According to NAMI: In May 2008, the US House of Representatives proclaimed July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Albert Wynn (D-MD) and co-sponsored by large bipartisan group, was passed in recognition that:
- Improved access to mental health treatment and services and public awareness of mental illness are of paramount importance; and
- An appropriate month should be recognized as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to enhance public awareness of mental illness and mental illness among minorities.