PDF What is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month?

What is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month?

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 a 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.

Who was Bebe Moore Campbell?

Bebe Moore Campbell was an accomplished author, advocate, co-founder of NAMI Urban Los Angeles and national spokesperson, who passed away in November 2006.

Campbell advocated for mental health education and support for individuals from diverse communities. She was passionate about eliminating stigma and providing mental health information to underserved communities.

"Once my loved one accepted the diagnosis, healing began for the entire family, but it took too long. It took years. Can't we, as a nation, begin to speed up that process? We need a national campaign to destigmatize mental illness, especially one targeted toward African Americans. The message must go on billboards and in radio and TV public service announcements. It must be preached from pulpits and discussed in community forums. It's not shameful to have a mental illness. Get treatment. Recovery is possible."

? Bebe Moore Campbell, 2005

Fig 1: Photo Credit:

Bebe Moore Campbell

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Capitol Advocacy Day

Fig 2: Senator Beall and 2017 NMMHAW Participants

As part of the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization, NAMI CA is dedicated to reducing disparities in access to mental health care and creating programs that are culturally appropriate and informed by California's diverse communities. Throughout May, June and July, we encourage NAMI members to raise awareness and commit to improving health care access and mental wellness for all Californians.

We invite NAMI and community members from diverse communities to the Capitol to take part in a morning of learning about advocacy, meeting with other advocates from across California, sharing experiences and resources from diverse backgrounds, and sitting down with local legislators. Attendees experience legislative advocacy first hand through meeting directly with policy makers.

Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 Time: 8:30am-3:00pm Location: Sacramento, State Capitol (1315 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814) Costs: Limited travel reimbursement available; please submit a request when you apply.

Details: For consideration, you must submit a completed application. Breakfast & lunch provided. Experience not required.

To apply, please fill out an application using the following link:

For further information or questions please contact: Marcel Harris

Statewide Organizer NAMI California

Marcel@ 916-567-0163

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