Honoring Bebe Moore Campbell: National BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month
July marks National BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize and address the unique mental health challenges faced by these communities. This observance, established in 2008, was named in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, a pioneering advocate who dedicated her life to shedding light on the mental health needs of underserved populations .
Who Was Bebe Moore Campbell?
Bebe Moore Campbell was an American author, journalist, and teacher who used her platform to explore race relations and mental illness. Her personal experience as a mother seeking mental health care for her daughter in a predominantly Black neighborhood highlighted the systemic barriers to access and the stigma surrounding mental health in communities of color . In response, she co-founded NAMI Urban Los Angeles and worked tirelessly to create safe spaces for people to discuss mental health without fear of judgment .
National BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month serves to:
Raise Awareness: Highlight the mental health disparities affecting BIPOC communities.
Promote Equity: Advocate for equitable access to mental health services.
Encourage Dialogue: Foster open conversations to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviors.
Disparities in Access to Care
Cultural norms and values influence how individuals perceive and address mental health issues, while discriminatory policy and systemic socioeconomic barriers often restrict access to mental health services. In many BIPOC communities, there may be informal support systems, such as community and faith-based groups, but despite the growing recognition of mental health's importance, individuals in these communities often face significant barriers to specialized metnal health treatment.
National BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to honor the legacy of Bebe Moore Campbell and continue her work in advocating for mental health equity. By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by BIPOC communities and working together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive mental health landscape.
Local Resources
At Caravelle Care, Inc., we are committed to providing culturally sensitive therapy services to individuals in the greater New Orleans area. Here are some other organizations that are working to bridge the gap in mental health services for BIPOC communities:
The New Orleans Healing Center: Offers culturally competent mental health services and community wellness programs.
The Roots of Music: Provides youth development programs that integrate music education with emotional and social support.
NAMI Southeast Louisiana: Provides education, support, and advocacy for individuals affected by mental illness and their families in 9 parishes including Jefferson, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington.
At Caravelle Care, Inc., we are committed to providing culturally sensitive therapy services to individuals in the greater New Orleans area.