.svg)
As we honor Black History Month and the significant contributions of Black Americans to our country, we also recognize the disparities in health care - and behavioral health - for Black Americans.
Statistics shared by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health include:
—In 2022, suicide was the third leading cause of death for Black or African Americans ages 10 to 24.
—The death rate from suicide for Black or African American males was more than four times higher than for Black or African American females in 2021.
—Non-Hispanic Black or African American female students in grades 9–12 were nearly two times more likely than non-Hispanic Black or African American male students to attempt suicide in 2023.
—Black or African Americans living below the poverty level, as compared to those over twice the poverty level, were twice as likely to report serious psychological distress in 2015–2016.
Behavioral health care plays a crucial role in reducing homelessness, incarcerations, and hospitalizations. It also bolsters people’s ability to engage with family, school, work, and primary care – and creates lasting economic and health benefits for individuals, families, and the community.
Inequity will not go away without access to behavioral health care for all, we can do better.
