On May 11, APA joined the National Alliance on Mental Illnessopens in new window and the Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equityopens in new window for the second annual Black Mental Health Roundtable on Capitol Hill, hosted by Hurdle Healthopens in new window, a provider of culturally intentional digital mental health services. The event brought together mental health experts to consider the effects of vicarious racism on the mental health of Black Americans and inspire policy change that improves the mental health and well-being of communities of color.
According to Chief Diversity Officer Maysa Akbar, PhD, who represented APA, “witnessing racism against one’s own group can adversely affect mental health, and the negative consequences of experiencing discrimination, violence, and trauma can endure across generations.” She called for greater investment in trauma-informed interventions and building resilience at individual and community levels.
For more information, contact Leo Rennie.