May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Communities of lower socioeconomic status or minorities are often left out of the conversation in regards to healthcare advances and ease of access to health care. Some minorities live in food deserts without options for fresh nutritious food, and coupled with a lack of access to preventative health support to deal with traumas and stress many are not able to care for themselves as they should. All of these factors are contributing factors to diminished mental health.
Using this month to learn about the many causes of mental health inequities that affect minorities will help to bring awareness and understanding of how to bring changes to the unjust and unequal treatment of minorities in the health care system. Those who have an influence within the healthcare industry can be instrumental in increasing awareness of the issues surrounding minority health disparities.
The deaths of Chadwick Boseman and Natalie Desselle-Reid from colon cancer brought heightened awareness of the illnesses to the African American community. Understanding the steps to start preventative care and finding out more about how these diseases can be prevented and caught before it is too late. Understanding that medical care and making a change to a more healthy lifestyle are the building blocks for better health. Physical and mental. States, communities, and civic leaders must also do their part by ensuring that citizens have access to education, nutritious affordable foods, trails, parks, and playgrounds for exercise and activities.
