July 2024: Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

WHEREAS, the month of July is observed as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to educate citizens on the unique challenges ethnic and racial minorities face surrounding mental health; and,

WHEREAS, mental health issues are common – more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness; and,

WHEREAS, individuals in racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual minority groups can face unique stressors and often more challenges accessing quality mental health services and treatment when compared to the general population; and,

WHEREAS, professional counselors remain concerned about racial and cultural disparities that are still evident in the mental health treatment system in our nation impacting life outcomes across the lifespan; and, 

WHEREAS, mental health is critical for one’s social, emotional, and mental well-being; and,

WHEREAS, we support advocating for tools and treatment methods to help minorities improve their mental health and cope with daily stressors; and,

WHEREAS, it is important to raise awareness of issues minority populations face and build a stronger and more resilient community for all;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim July 2024 as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in Michigan.