July 2017

Minorities are less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment for their mental illness, have less access to and availability of mental health services and often receive a poorer quality of mental health care. July is National Minority Mental Health Month! Please join us in our discussions during our Twitter chats. Hear the stories and know the facts on mental health disparities:

African Americans and Mental Health

American Indians/Alaska Natives and Mental Health

Asian Americans and Mental Health

Hispanics/Latinos and Mental Health

In this issue:

• Zika Symptoms, Risks and Prevention
• Children and Mental Health
• World Hepatitis Day 2017
• Tips for Preparing for the Dog Days of Summer
• Let’s Talk: African Americans and Eye Health
• What's New in the Knowledge Center?

Zika Symptoms, Risks and Prevention

As the weather heats up and many are traveling or doing more outdoor activities, there are some safety precautions one should take. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified some U.S. cities and outside locations of cases reported. Learn more about Zika, symptoms, and prevention, print resources are also available.

Children and Mental Health

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shares resources for parents through their Caring for Every Child's Mental Health campaign. Community Connections Work for Young Adults PSA
•  Understanding Anxiety Disorder for Young Adults Infographic
• Know Bullying: put the power to end bullying in your hand” App on  iTunes or Google Play
• Show Me How Video to read: Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative Show Me How Video

World Hepatitis Day 2017

World Hepatitis Day is July 28. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention has information on how this day came about and its importance. Also, CDC shares resources for World Hepatitis Day and provides an online risk assessment that provides individuals with a personalized and tailored report.

Tips for Preparing for the Dog Days of Summer

As the weather heats up and many are traveling or doing outdoor activities, there are some safety precautions one should take.The Department of Health and Human Services shares information on how to prepare for the #ExtremeHeat this summer, and help keep children safe while playing outside/ doing outdoor activities.  

Let’s Talk: African Americans and Eye Health

Let’s talk: African Americans and Eye health Are you interested in learning about the health of your eyes? Want to hear ways to protect and prolong your vision? Let’s talk! Join us for a Facebook Live event with eye health expert Dr. Edwin C. Marshall, who will discuss how to keep your eyes healthy.  Make sure you are seeing your best! Visit Facebook to join the conversation and ask questions live on July 19 at 2:00 p.m. CT/3:00 p.m. ET.

Funding

OMH Grants

The deadline to apply for the OMH’s Empowered Communities for a Healthier Nation Initiative is August 1, 2017 at 5 pm ET. The Empowered Communities Funding Opportunity Announcement is a program of the Office of Minority Health (OMH) at the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Initiative seeks to reduce significant health disparities impacting racial and ethnic minorities and/or disadvantaged populations through implementing evidence based strategies with the greatest potential for impact. The program is intended to serve residents in communities disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic; childhood/adolescent obesity; and serious mental illness. Learn more | View a recording of the Technical Assistance webinar.

Grant Reviewers Wanted HHS/OMH is looking for Subject Matter Experts to serve as reviewers of applications submitted to its Empowered Communities for a Healthier Nation Initiative (ECI) competitive grant program. The ECI is intended to provide support for minority and/or disadvantaged communities disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic, childhood/adolescent obesity, or serious mental illness. If you are a professional with a well-documented history as a subject matter expert in the area(s) of opioid abuse; childhood/adolescent obesity; or serious mental illness, please register to become a grant reviewer and submit your CV by visiting the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) Reviewer Recruitment Module.

What's New in the Knowledge Center?

The Knowledge Center online library catalog provides researchers with targeted information related to mental health disparities. To read some recent publications on behavioral health concerns for minority populations click here.