MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Health Awareness & Wellness Team is to both promote and offer programs that will encourage wellness in the congregation and in the community. They seek to inspire their participants to make the more healthy choice to take responsibility for their own health.
SAVE THE DATE!
Mental Health Corner
Over the years, MENTAL HEALTH has had a negative stigmatism in the African American culture and communities leading to distrust, lack of resources, and treatments. Recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, deaths, illnesses, the economy, work life modifications, job downsizing, family and marital dynamics, price inflation, racism, and police brutality have become overwhelming. These events have caused an increase in depression, anxiety, and stress.
"YOU ARE NOT ALONE"
Millions of people in the US are affected by mental illness each year.
These numbers are powerful tools for raising public awareness, stigma-busting and advocating for better health care.
STATISTICS:
- 21% US adults experienced mental illness in 2020 (52.9 million people; represents 1 in 5 adults)
- 5.6% of US adults experienced serious mental illness in 2020 (14.2 million people; represents 1 in 20 adults)
- 16.5% of US youth aged 6-17 experienced a mental health disorder in 2016 (7.7 million people; represents 1 in 6 US youth in this age group)
- 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14
- 6.7% of US adults experienced a co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness in 2020 (17 million people)
Prevalence of Mental illness among US adults, by demographic group:
- Non-Hispanic Asian: 13.9%
- Non-Hispanic White: 22.6%
- Non-Hispanic black or African American: 17.3%
- Non-Hispanic Indian or Alaska Native: 18.7%
- Non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 16.6%
- Hispanic or Latino: 18.4%
- Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual: 47.4%
There are many resources like clinicians, mental health hotlines, organizations, and institutions that can make a positive impact to improve lives, communities, and society as a whole. Clinicians and organizations have made a tremendous contribution to improve the underserved communities. Let’s work together to bring awareness and improve mental health and wellness to BE THE BEST YOU!!!
Reference: National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) 2020 Mental Health By the Numbers: Recognizing the Impact. Last updated: June 2022
Health Awareness Event Calendar
For More Information
Ministry Leaders: Dr. Byron Ross & Karen Hinton
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
