While the experience of being a person of color in America varies tremendously, there are shared cultural factors that play a role in helping define mental health and supporting well-being, resiliency, and healing. Part of the shared experience includes being subject to racism, discrimination, and inequity -  which can significantly affect a person’s mental health. Being treated or perceived as “less than” because of the color of your skin can be stressful and even traumatizing.  

Facts:

~African Americans are 20% more likely to experience mental health issues than the rest of the population.

~Native Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 have the highest suicide rates of any ethnic group, and 40% of the individuals who die by suicide are between 15 and 24 years old.

Black Mental Health Alliance: This organization promotes culturally-relevant educational forums, trainings, and referral services that support the health and well-being of Black people and their communities. 

The Steve Fund: This organization is dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color, especially students. Includes stories, videos, and resources. 

Mental Health Liberation: Bridges Black, Indigenous, and People of Color with free, quality mental health care, and empower Clinicians of Color.

Inclusive Therapists: This website aims to make it simpler and safer for people in marginalized communities to find a therapist. 

Maryland State Resources for Mental Health: This page lists resources and organizations that support and provide services for the Black community's mental health in Maryland. 

UMB Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resource Page: This page includes anti-racism resources focused on the work of actively opposing racism by advocating for changes in political, economic, and social life.

Black Doctors USA: An established network of physicians, healthcare providers, and partners connecting each with solutions for growth and diversity while engaging our consumer audience to improve health disparities. 

Racism and Mental Health (VIDEO): Experiences of racism not only cause distress in the moment but can also lead to mental health issues that become more severe with each experience.

Cutting through the Stigma (VIDEO): Hear directly from barbers, their customers, counselors, NAMI members, and The Confess Project about how barbershops serve as a place of community connection and emotional well-being. Learn how barbers are helping fight stigma through open and honest conversations for boys, men, and their families in the Black community. 

Mental Health in Latinx Community (VIDEO): Mental health can be a hard topic to talk about for the Latino community. Many times symptoms can be ignored. KPBS looks into the barriers keeping the Latino community from seeking mental health help. 

We R Native: A health resource created by Native youth, for Native youth, that provides content to promote holistic health and positive growth within local communities.

Campus Organizations: 

Hispanic Dental Association: The Hispanic Dental Association, Student Chapter was organized to improve and promote the oral health of the Hispanic community through improved prevention, treatment and education. Other goals include the recruitment and retention of Hispanic dental students, translating for patients, and organizing various community service events. Interested students should email umb.hda@gmail.com for more information. 

United Students of African Descent: United Students of African Descent (USAD) is a UMB campus-wide organization designed to increase unity and strengthen interprofessional relationships among students of African descent. Interested students should email usad@umaryland.edu for more information. 

White Coats for Black Lives (WC4BL): White Coats for Black Lives has the mission to dismantle racism in medicine and promote the health, well-being, and self-determination of BIPOC students. Interested students should email umaryland.wc4bl@gmail.com for more information.