Despite continued advancements in healthcare and health equity in our nation, disparities in mental healthcare persist, especially among Black Americans. The
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reports that racial and ethnic minority communities in the U.S. are less likely to have access to mental health services, less likely to use community mental health services, more likely to use emergency departments, and more likely to receive lower quality care. These persistent challenges to mental healthcare access and quality contribute to poor mental health outcomes, including suicide, among racial and ethnic minority communities.
For Black Americans, the constant trauma that we have endured as the result of transatlantic enslavement, white supremacy and anti-Blackness have a direct connection to the mental health challenges that exist in our community including increased rates of depression, anxiety and suicide. As I write this message I am also supporting the planning for a homegoing service of a former fellow, a colleague in the work of ensuring intersectional social justice who recently committed suicide. Beyond the private struggles that we all endure attempting to survive being Black in America, incessant reminders of the disregard for Black life takes a toll on our mental health. This is confirmed by the recent
Lancet report describing how police killings of unarmed Black Americans contribute to poorer mental health among Black Americans.
NBJC is committed to increasing access to quality mental health services and supports for Black people. We are proud of our partnership with the First Lady of New York Chirlane McCray and the Brothers Thrive Initiative. Complimenting Sisters Thrive, Brothers Thrive focuses on increasing mental health among Black men. A central part of our work is removing the stigma and shame shrouding mental health. You can lean more about the Initiative by
viewing this video . In addition, throughout the month of July NBJC will engage in conversations with partners like the NAACP and Jack and Jill of America to highlight resources and best practices for increasing mental health among Black americans of all ages. We will also continue to pursue an intersectional social justice policy agenda that includes protecting much needed protections for mental health medical services through the Affordable Care Act. I encourage you to follow @NBJCOnTheMove across digital platforms for the most current information on where we are and how we are working to show up in community with those we serve.
If we are truly the keepers of our communities, than we must prioritize mental health in movement and advocacy efforts as well. The stability and future of our families depends on it. If you do not have a therapist, a trained professional to support YOU in doing the work of fighting for social justice I encourage you to enroll someone you trust to serve in this important role. Consider using this
therapist resource directory developed by the Association of Black Psychologists. Also consider scheduling time for you–dates with yourself, play time with friends, quality time with family biological and chosen. Be selfish, remembering that if you do not do the work required to preserve you, you cannot show up for anyone else. Our community and our country need YOU!
In love and continued struggle,
David J. Johns
Executive Director
The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is proud to announce the appointment of national civil rights attorney Benjamin L. Crump to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Nearly every one among us will face mental health challenges in their lifetime. This is especially true for people living with HIV, which is a chronic condition that can also affect a person’s nervous system and lead to changes in behaviors according to the 
