Professional Advocacy Through a Health Equity Lens-Handouts: Slides

Handouts: Slides

Pdf Summary

This document discusses the topic of health equity and the historical challenges faced in achieving equity in mental and behavioral health, with a specific focus on addressing mental health disparities among African Americans/Blacks. The author explores the concepts of health disparity and health equity, emphasizing the need for valuing everyone equally and addressing avoidable inequalities, historical injustices, and disparities in health and healthcare.<br /><br />The document also highlights the history of race-based inequity in mental health, discussing the impact of enslavement on African Americans' mental health and the discriminatory treatment they received in separate institutions. It also addresses the inadequate resources and funding provided to Native Americans for their health needs.<br /><br />The role of national policies and organizations in advancing equity in mental health is explored, including the National Mental Health Act of 1946 and the actions taken by the American Psychiatric Association and Black psychiatrists to address racism and promote equity.<br /><br />The document then outlines the path forward in the 21st century, including improving access to mental health care, integrating mental health and primary care, and addressing social adversities and strengthening families to promote mental health. It also emphasizes the importance of community-informed policy approaches, professional advocacy, and activism in achieving equity.<br /><br />Overall, the document provides insights into the history, challenges, and potential solutions for achieving health equity in mental and behavioral health, particularly for African Americans/Blacks.

Keywords

health equity

mental health disparities

African Americans/Blacks

health disparity

race-based inequity

enslavement

discriminatory treatment

inadequate resources

National Mental Health Act

racism