As we observe Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Awareness Month in July, I want to emphasize our commitment to addressing the mental health needs of under-resourced and underserved populations, particularly those at high risk before, during, and after childbirth. At the National Service Office for Nurse-Family Partnership and Child First, we understand the unique challenges faced by BIPOC families and provide comprehensive, culturally responsive care to support their mental well-being. We know that at a national level:
- BIPOC experience mental illness at similar rates as white people, but they’re less likely to get treatment due to cultural barriers, stigma and lack of access to care.
- It is estimated that only 39% of Black or African American adults, 25% of Asian American adults, and 36% of Hispanic/Latino adults with any mental illness were treated, compared to 52% of non-Hispanic white adults.
- 1 in 5 mothers are impacted by mental health conditions and Maternal Mental Health (MMH). 75% of individuals impacted by MMH conditions remain untreated, increasing the risk of long-term negative impacts on mothers, babies, and families.
- New BIPOC mothers have rates of postpartum depression close to 38%, almost twice the rate of white new mothers. Over 50% of postpartum depression cases experienced by BIPOC mothers go underreported.
Child First is a mental health home visiting intervention with 98% of the caregivers served reporting having experienced significant stressors such as depression, anxiety, substance use, and interpersonal violence. Over 40% of the caregivers served by Child First identify as BIPOC.
To best serve communities, Child First has made significant strides in developing and supporting a workforce that appreciates the unique needs of BIPOC families:
- Taking disparities in health care into account and exploring how the presence of bias informs medical and mental health treatment for families from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
- Using a framework for supervision that is intentionally relational, diversity- and trauma-informed, recognizing that racism and other forms of discrimination are traumas that impact mental health.
- Emphasizing cultural humility, social identities and systemic barriers to reduce disparities and enhance the quality of care through consultation and supervision.
- Focusing training on cultural awareness, sensitivity, and responsiveness, ensuring that our team is equipped to provide effective prevention and intervention services.
Between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024 3,251 BIPOC clients entered the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program nationally with a mental health diagnosis. During this same period, NFP nurses made 20,093 referrals to mental health and counseling services, underscoring the critical need for NFP Mental Health Interventions. NFP nurses are equipped with the knowledge and resources to support families’ mental well-being, as the interventions are designed by nurses specifically for nurses. Key interventions include:
- Mental Health Clinical Pathway
- Depression and Anxiety Planning and Approaches Table
- Decision Aid
Each of these proven strategies has been shown to reduce depression or anxiety, or both, while building client self-efficacy – one of the core elements of the program. NFP emphasizes caring and health as central to its holistic approach to mental health intervention and promotion.
By embracing these comprehensive and culturally sensitive approaches, we strive to create an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and supported. This BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, let us reaffirm our dedication to bridging the gaps in mental health care and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable system.
Please join our efforts by sharing this message and helping us reach more families and communities–together, we can promote healing, resilience, and well-being for all families, regardless of their background or circumstances.