CAPAC Members Observe National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July marks National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, which brings awareness to the challenges racial and ethnic minorities, including Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs), face when seeking access to care and support for their mental health needs.

CAPAC Members released the following statements:

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):

“As is the case for many dimensions of physical health, communities of color face significant disparities in mental health in their outcomes and access to care. From my career in psychology through today as a public official, I’ve always worked to improve mental health access and increase services for all those that need them. Because of cultural stigma and linguistic barriers that prevent them from getting their needs adequately met, AANHPIs continue to have among the lowest rates of utilization of mental health services of any racial or ethnic groups. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a critical reminder to us all that this does not have to be the case.

“Achieving equity for the diverse subgroups within the AANHPI community begins with better data and more mental health professionals who can provide in-language care. That is why I authored the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act, which would provide funding for culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach and education to meet our communities where they are and require research to include disaggregated data that will shine a light on our communities’ diverse needs. This month, I join my CAPAC and Tri-Caucus colleagues as we renew our commitment to championing solutions that close the gap between our communities and the accessible, quality mental health care that they deserve.”

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04):

“During National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we must continue to raise awareness and remove the barriers that Black and minority communities face when seeking mental health care services. We must also address the lack of culturally competent care and the root causes of declining mental health in our country including racism and implicit biases in daily life, high poverty rates, disparate economic participation, and low access to quality psychological and psychiatric services. The CBC will continue working to tackle stigmas surrounding mental health and address existing disparities so that access to mental health care is accessible to all Americans.”

CAPAC First Vice Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):

“Our nation has long faced a mental health crisis that uniquely impacts AANHPI and other minority communities. In the month of July, we recognize the many barriers that members of minority communities face in accessing mental health care—with the understanding that this is a year-round fight. That’s why I introduced the bipartisan Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act, which would address the long overdue need for language access and more culturally competent services in our mental health care system. This month and every month my colleagues and I are advocating for expanding mental health care to help our AANHPI and other minority communities thrive.”

CAPAC Freshman Representative Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02):

“For decades, systemic barriers to care, cultural stigma, and historic mistrust have prevented too many in the AANHPI community, along with many other racial and ethnic minority populations, from getting the mental health services and support they need. This month, we recognize the significant strides we’ve made to increase awareness about mental illness and recommit ourselves to ensuring mental health services are available, affordable, and accessible to all our communities.”

Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06):

“As we recognize National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, it is crucial that we remember to promote awareness of the distinct challenges and stigmas facing minority communities. As a physician, I've seen firsthand the importance of delivering and having access to culturally competent care. Together, we can foster a supportive and empowering environment to address these inequities and ensure that all Americans have access to high-quality mental health care.”

Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13):

“In 1996, I lost my first wife to her own struggles with mental health. This heart-breaking experience led me to realize that mental health struggles are often silent, unseen battles. It taught me the importance of compassion and the need for accessible mental health services for all. Minority communities face cultural stigmas that often make receiving mental health services incredibly difficult. This Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, let's recommit to providing every American with mental health care that properly considers their unique cultural experiences.”

Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-08):

“As we observe National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we must recognize the significant challenges that communities of color face in accessing mental health care. New Jersey's Eighth Congressional District and across the nation, cultural stigma, language barriers, and systemic inequities continue to prevent many individuals from receiving the support and treatment they need. These groups, including the AANHPI community, often experience additional stressors like gun violence and xenophobia, which further exacerbate mental health struggles. Addressing these issues through culturally sensitive care and equitable access to mental health services is crucial to improving overall well-being and fostering healthier, more resilient communities.”

Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):

“This Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m bringing light to the unique challenges faced by minorities in accessing mental health services. Factors such as language barriers, cultural shame, and lack of insurance can make it harder for minorities to have equal access to these needed services. Together with my CAPAC colleagues, I’m committed to eliminating these barriers so that everyone, including the AANHPI community has equal access to these important services.”