Alarming Rise in Mental Health Issues
The United States is grappling with a mental health crisis. However, the burden is not equally shared. Black and Latino communities face significant barriers in accessing quality, equitable, and culturally sensitive mental health services compared to other communities.
Julia Lothrop, the Acting Regional Director for Region 6 at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has encountered countless people from Black communities who experienced anxiety, grief, and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic due to isolation and loneliness.
Staggering Suicide Rates in Minority Groups
Every year, around 50,000 Americans die by suicide – one death every 11 minutes. Tragically, suicide rates among Black youth increased by 36% between 2018 and 2021, the most rapid increase across all racial and ethnic groups. Moreover, only one in three Black adults who need mental health care receive it.
“Closing equity gaps in mental health outcomes means addressing the driving forces of the disparities in our health care system – including enduring legacies of slavery and segregation, and mistrust of the medical system resulting from historical abuse and ongoing disproportionate outcomes,” said Lothrop.
HHS Initiatives to Bridge the Gap
The HHS administration is committed to ensuring access to mental health support for everyone who needs it. Recently, the Administration released the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the first-ever Federal Action Plan, outlining over 200 actions federal partners have committed to.
One of the most impactful programs is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 through phone, text, and chat. HHS also created the Black Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative to provide targeted suicide prevention programming for Black youth and young adults.
Investing in Community-Based Solutions
HHS is investing in community-based solutions to address mental health disparities. Last year, nearly $130 million was awarded to expand Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics across the country. Organizations like the S.P.I.C.E Foundation and Helping Hands Community Support Services in Texas are committed to addressing the mental health needs of all residents.
Additionally, HHS has invested over $100 million in expanding and improving school-based health services through Medicaid and CHIP, meeting children where they are with resources.
“We have so much more to do, but there is hope. We are finally on the right path, addressing the root causes of the mental health crisis and the disparities in mental health outcomes for Black Americans,” Lothrop affirmed.
While the challenges are significant, the solutions being implemented by HHS provide a glimmer of hope in addressing mental health inequities and supporting underserved communities.
