National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the stark disparities in mental health care access and outcomes among racial and ethnic minorities in the US, and Life Matters Wellness is taking action to provide culturally competent care and reduce barriers to access.
Category: Health
Posted inBaltimore News
National Zero HIV Stigma Day: Fighting stigma, saving lives
Zero HIV Stigma Day, observed on July 21, aims to raise awareness, encourage testing, and dismantle the harmful stigma surrounding HIV—especially in disproportionately affected Black communities. Advocates stress that ending stigma is key to saving lives and ensuring that all people can access care without fear, shame, or judgment.
Posted in#Education
When the bullying follows you home: A teen’s guide to surviving online cruelty
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com Before the rise of social media, group chats and online forums, bullying was often confined to the school yard, classroom or cafeteria—places teens could physically leave behind at the end of the day. But now, digital devices and 24/7 connectivity have extended those boundaries, allowing harmful behavior to follow young […]
Posted inBaltimore News
“We Can’t Wait”: Lessons from the New Abortion Landscape
Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosely is a practicing OBGYN and abortion provider. This week, she discusses the new abortion landscape.
Posted inMental Health
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman aims to empower Black youth with mental health legislation
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman has reintroduced the “Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act,” a bill designed to address the mental health crisis affecting youth, particularly Black youth, by increasing access to culturally competent care and supporting research into racial disparities in mental health. The legislation proposes $995 million in grants to fund research, reduce stigma, and train providers to meet the unique needs of minority communities.
Posted inReligion
Celebrating National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: A look at therapists with religious- based practices
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This week, the AFRO takes a look at therapists with religious- based practices.
Posted inUncategorized
Depression, exhaustion and fear: The hidden burdens of dementia caregiving
Millions of Americans caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s face deep emotional, financial and physical strain while struggling to find support. This National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, experts and caregivers stress prioritizing self-care and seeking resources early to avoid isolation and burnout.
Posted inMental Health
At the intersection of mental health and drug abuse
Black Americans are disproportionately affected by mental health issues and substance abuse, with untreated mental health struggles leading to substance use and the stigma surrounding mental health care making it difficult to seek help.
Posted inHealth
Supporting moms: The vital role families play before, during and after birth
Pregnancy is not a solo journey—it’s one that families can profoundly impact by offering emotional, structural and hands-on support. From helping navigate healthcare systems to simply showing up with a warm meal and open ears, loved ones play a vital role in a mother’s health before, during and after birth.
Posted inMental Health
How Bipolar disorder impacts families and what support can look like
Bipolar disorder can deeply affect family dynamics, especially in Black households where stigma and lack of culturally competent care can intensify the challenges. Experts stress the importance of early recognition, open communication and supportive environments to promote healing for both individuals and their loved ones.
Posted inHealth
McDonogh students host CPR training and other heart healthy workshops
McDonogh High School’s First Aid Club raised over $6,000 for the American Heart Association and led CPR and heart health workshops to educate younger students on life-saving skills. The initiative, led by student William Ashley III and supported by his father, emphasized empowering youth—especially in Black communities disproportionately affected by heart disease—to become advocates for their own health and that of their families.
Posted inMental Health
Why school has more Black kids thinking about suicide
A new report from The AAKOMA Project reveals alarming rates of suicide consideration and self-harm among Black youth, with experts citing racism in schools—ranging from biased discipline to racial trauma inflicted by staff—as a key driver of the crisis. Despite clear warning signs, many Black students, particularly boys, remain underserved by mental health systems, prompting calls for culturally responsive, healing-centered approaches in education.