May is National Mental Health Awareness Month – and the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg (FHSP) and its community partners are increasing awareness and resources for underserved populations facing unique challenges.
The American Psychiatric Association notes that most racial and ethnic minority groups have similar – or in some cases, decreased – rates of mental disorders as whites. However, the organization adds that inaccessibility to quality care, cultural stigma, discrimination and a lack of understanding often contribute to poorer outcomes.
A 90-page report released Tuesday compared national, state and local data to better understand mental health trends among Pinellas County and St. Petersburg BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities. FHSP funded the study authored by Dr. Keesha Benson, owner of Providence Group International, and Dr. Stephanie Reed, CEO of Reed Community Consulting. Read more at www.stpetecatalyst.com
