Black History Month (February 2022)

Published:
February 1, 2022

Black History Month, observed during the month of February, was originally a weeklong celebration began by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926 to recognize the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black Americans.   

Did You Know: Approximately 47 million individuals identify as African American, or 14% of the US population (US Census Bureau, 2020). While the risk of mental illness is comparable among white and African American people in the US, African Americans are twice as likely, compared to white individuals, to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and 7 times more likely to live in a high poverty neighborhood with limited access to mental health services (American Psychological Association). Systemic inequities have existed for too long. The pandemic has amplified the social and economic factors that contribute to poor mental health outcomes and revealed the need for greater equity and effectiveness in behavioral health services for African Americans.

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