National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Minority Mental Health Awareness Month focuses on advocacy for and outreach to minority community members who may face a variety of additional barriers to reaching mental health services ranging from social stigma, distrust of the system, lack of resources or access to local services, or lack of access to services in their native language. Whether you are a mental health professional or not, we can all make changes that support improved mental health outcomes for all people. De-stigmatize mental health. While we have come a long way in the way that we talk about mental health, there is still work to be done to remove the stigma of seeking help whether through therapy or medication management or simply having received a diagnosis. Be mindful about the ways that you talk about mental health. This can also apply to other issues including avoiding stigmatizing language around disability, drug and alcohol use, or socio-economic status. Learn about your biases. We may carry around biases that we are not consciously aware of that impact the ways we think about and behave towards others including individuals who are members of a minority group. Learning your own biases and making an effort to be aware of them and avoid them as well as microaggressions or other prejudiced or discriminatory behavior can help support minority group members feel safer in their communities. Work towards positive change in your community. If you are a community leader, healthcare worker, or professional in a position of power or authority, utilize it to push for change and advocate for groups that may have more difficulty accessing resources. Others can also learn about and support initiatives, business, and organizations that are passionate about or intentional in supporting minority communities. If you are a member of a minority ethnic, racial, gender, or sexuality group struggling with mental health concerns, help is available. Culturally sensitive mental health professionals can meet you where you are and provide support in navigating general stressors, mental health symptoms, and systemic issues related to minority stress. World Day Against Trafficking Persons (7/30/2024) In 2013, the United Nations established July 30th as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with the aim of raising awareness as well as promoting protections for these individuals. It is estimated that globally around 28 million people are victims of human trafficking and less than 1% of them are identified. This year, the campaign is focusing on the fight against the trafficking of children as 1 in 3 trafficked people are under the age of 18. Here are a few ways that you can get involved this year:- Social Media – spread awareness through social media by sharing information about trafficking, linking to resources for trafficked people, or use the hashtag #EndHumanTrafficking along with the blue heart campaign logo to increase awareness.
- Be alert – If you see something that sends up a red flag for human trafficking, call the police or a local anti-trafficking hotline. You don’t have to be sure and it is better to err on the side of caution and contact your local authorities.
- Make responsible and ethical choices – When possible, be intentional about the products that you buy or businesses you support. Commit to avoiding products that are produced or connected to potential unfair labor practices or exploitative practices with can include trafficking.
- Be an advocate – Whether it is by educating others, calling your local representative office, or through donations, you can advocate for the protection and support of human trafficking victims and survivors.
Additional information including resources can be found at https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en. If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, help can be reached at 888-373-7888 or by texting HELP to 233733. The hotline is available 24/7 and your information can remain confidential. | 
