Black Mental Health Week March 1-7 2021
Last year the City of Toronto, in partnership with TAIBU Community Health Centre (CHC), launched a campaign focused on the negative impact that anti-Black racism has on the mental health of Black Torontonians that culminated in the creation of Black Mental Health Day.
This year the event has been expanded to a week to provide greater opportunity to facilitate and cultivate greater awareness of the impacts of anti-Black racism on Black communities, families and individuals. Ontarians are invited to participate in community-led events, designed to drive productive dialogue and acknowledgment of the need for systemic change.
Key Facts
- Studies show witnessing or being the target of anti-Black racism can have adverse effects on mental health and physical wellbeing.
- Research suggests that the adult Black community is 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems, such as Major Depressive Disorder or Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
- Studies have identified employment and financial security, as well as the ability to receive mental health services from a provider who has a similar cultural and racial identity as the two most important factors which would facilitate improved access to mental health supports for the Black community.
Addressing the barriers and burdens of anti-Black racism on mental health begins with:
- breaking the silence
- confronting stigma
- ensuring access to timely, appropriate and culturally responsive health care.
Would you like to learn more about Black Mental Health Week? Check out www.blackmentalhealthweek.ca (opens in a new window) for more info.
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