Throughout the U.S., various mental health advocates and agencies have been promoting Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. We do this because minority people face additional challenges and obstacles in addressing mental illness than do whites. (Click here to read our blog about those difficulties.)
At the Well Community, we are uniquely positioned to serve minority people. In 2022, 77% of the people who attended the Well were Hispanic or Black. Of our staff, 62% are from minority communities.
Our Board of Directors has issued an equity statement that directs our approach in being an inclusive and welcoming place to belong for ALL who live with serious mental health conditions. It reads:
Mental illnesses are not limited by race, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, gender expression, sexual orientation or any other factor that could be used to impose a stigma. Believing that all people are made in the image of God and therefore that we all have intrinsic worth, the Well Community is open to any adult struggling with mental health issues. We denounce bigotry and instead seek to replace rejection with gracious and welcoming lovingkindness. In addition, we seek to have a culturally diverse staff, board and donor base, who are committed to our goal of affirming dignity and fostering stability for any adult who lives with chronic and debilitating mental illness. wellcommunity.org/equity/
I wanted to be sure you are aware of our policy and to thank you for standing with us for equity, dignity and justice.