July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority communities and to advance equity in behavioral health care. Established in 2008, the month was inspired by the work of Bebe Moore Campbell—a renowned author and mental health advocate who championed the need for inclusive, accessible care for all communities. This observance is not just a recognition of disparities—it’s a call to action to address the social, cultural, and systemic factors that impact mental health and substance use outcomes for people of color.
People of color face more unmet needs for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and often experience worse outcomes compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. These disparities are rooted in structural racism, poverty, limited access to healthcare, and inequitable policies—including the long-standing criminalization of substance use, which has disproportionately impacted Black and Native American communities. Additionally, treatment systems often lack the capacity to meet the unique health and social needs of individuals from these communities, particularly those affected by the criminal justice system. Barriers such as stigma, discrimination, affordability, and a shortage of culturally and linguistically responsive providers have an outsized impact on communities of color due to these systemic inequities (Bui et al., 2022).
At Social Model Recovery Systems, we are committed to advancing equitable behavioral health care by addressing the systemic barriers that impact communities of color. Our programs are designed to meet individuals where they are—providing support that is culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and rooted in dignity and respect.
What We’re Doing to Address Minority Mental Health:
- Culturally responsive care. We train our staff to approach treatment with cultural humility and sensitivity, ensuring that care is inclusive, affirming, and relevant to each individual’s background and lived experience.
- Trauma-informed care. We recognize that trauma—whether personal, intergenerational, or rooted in systemic issues like racism—can significantly impact a person’s mental health and recovery journey. Our trauma-informed practices prioritize safety, empowerment, and trust, ensuring participants and residents feel supported and understood throughout their care.
- Bilingual services. Many of our programs offer support in Spanish and other languages, helping to reduce linguistic barriers and foster trust between participants/residents and care providers.
- Destigmatizing SUD and mental health. Through our prevention services and community outreach initiatives, we actively engage with schools, families, and local organizations to increase awareness, provide culturally relevant education, and reduce stigma surrounding mental health and substance use. By fostering open dialogue and promoting early intervention, we help create supportive environments where individuals feel safe seeking help.
This Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, or background—has access to compassionate, culturally relevant care that supports long-term healing and recovery.
If you or someone you care about is facing challenges with substance use or mental health, contact our CARE Center at 877-507-6242 for confidential support and treatment options.
