WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), alongside Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Doris Matsui (CA-7), and Andrea Salinas (OR-6), introduced H. Res. 619, legislation honoring July as Minority Mental Health Month.
While awareness for mental health has grown over the last several years, communities of color continue to face systemic barriers to accessing and receiving mental health care—from cultural stigma and underrepresentation in the mental health workforce to language barriers, inequities in insurance coverage, and policies that make it harder to access quality care. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), communities of color are significantly less likely than their white counterparts to receive mental health treatment, and when they do, are more likely to receive inadequate care. This means members of our community are left suffering.
Recent actions by the Trump Administration have only deepened these inequities. Over the last six months, the administration has moved to cancel over 900 federal health grants–including grants to address racial health disparities– and has cut 10% of the staff the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, including those operating the national 9–8–8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, all while continually removing references to communities of color on government websites.
To achieve better care, our country needs better data, better access, and increased mental health professionals who can provide in-language and culturally competent care. To do that, Congress must acknowledge our country’s current health disparities, celebrate diversity within the mental healthcare industry, and raise awareness of the unique mental health issues different communities face.
“Our communities deserve better. While this resolution highlights July as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, this work cannot stop here,” said Congresswoman Crockett. “This resolution is a call to action for Congress to not only break down the barriers and stigmas hindering access to mental health in communities of color, but work together to improve our healthcare system so that everyone, regardless of race, can receive the quality mental healthcare they deserve.”
“The evidence is clear, racial minorities are more likely to experience mental health conditions, but far less likely to receive treatment,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “Systemic racism and generational injustice combine to produce higher rates of mental health problems, while restricting access to the care that whiter and wealthier communities receive. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is actively working to make the problem worse. Cutting off funding for mental health initiatives and gutting the Office of Minority within the Department of Health and Human Services. I’m proud to co-lead this resolution with Rep. Crockett, to draw attention to this systemic injustice and work towards correcting it. Everyone should be able to access the care they need, regardless of your race, income, religion or ZIP code.”
“I am proud to co-lead this resolution in recognizing July as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Accessing mental health care can be especially difficult for minority groups, as they face additional barriers such as cultural and language differences, and increased trauma due to racism and prejudice,” said Rep. Salinas. “It is crucial to acknowledge the obstacles to accessing care and the social burdens faced by minority groups, and the need to continue our commitment to providing comprehensive, affordable, high-quality care to all Americans.”
“Minority communities represent a diverse tapestry of cultures and ethnicities—each facing unique barriers and challenges to mental health,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “That’s why I have fought hard to expand access to care, invest in culturally competent and community-based services, reduce stigma, and support early intervention and treatment. In the face of the Trump Administration’s reckless cuts, we remain undeterred. I am proud to co-lead this resolution which sends a clear message that we will always stand up for our minority communities and fight to ensure they receive the care they need.”
The resolution text can be viewed here H. Res. 619.
