PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and Pennsylvania health officials are trying to make sure all Pennsylvanians know help is out there.
Wolf administration officials said their goal is to work towards racial equity in our health systems. That includes focusing on mental health services.
Jen Smith, secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, said the pandemic has put a collective strain on society, and also widened disparities and access to lifesaving mental health services including rehab and addiction treatment.
"Stereotyping and stigma, in particular, are key challenges Black, Latino, AAPI, LGBTQ and all underrepresented and marginalized populations face in association with substance use disorder," she said.
Related
Smith cited the alarming rise in overdoses in Pennsylvania as examples. She added the Wolf administration is committed to ensuring equitable access to resources and ending mental health stigma.
"The number is 1-800-662-HELP," she said of the state's Get Help Now hotline for treatment and recovery resources. "Trained individuals will be on the other end of the line to help navigate local resources and treatment options in your area, regardless if you are uninsured or underinsured."
"This past year we have been collectively traumatized due to COVID-19," said Victor Cabral, deputy director of the Governor's Office of Advocacy and Reform.
"For communities of color, the last year and half has added to the generations of trauma that we endure and the chronic stress that we experience everyday."
Other officials highlighted the numerous other mental health resources that are available in our state, including Acting Department of Human Services Secretary Meg Snead. She encouraged people struggling with mental health issues to contact the state's Support and Referral Hotline at 855-284-2494.
Additional resources can be found below.