Title
To Declare the Month of July as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Columbus and to Recognize the Contributions of the African American Male Wellness Agency
Body
WHEREAS, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed annually during the month of July to bring awareness to the unique challenges faced by minority and BIPOC communities in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, racial and ethnic minority groups are often less likely to have access to mental health services, are less likely to seek treatment, and are more likely to receive lower quality care; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus is committed to comprehensively addressing persistent and prevalent disparities in access, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, and advancing education and advocacy efforts in partnership with local stakeholders; and,
WHEREAS, the African American Male Wellness Agency (AAMWA) has played a pivotal role in fighting to close the health equity gap by promoting behavioral health awareness, providing critical resources and programming, and supporting the mental health and well-being of African American men and their families in cities across the nation, including Columbus; and,
WHEREAS, supporting culturally competent, person-centered services and fostering open dialogue can reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, cultivate understanding and empathy while leading to better health outcomes, and enhance quality of life for individuals and families in underserved communities; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council hereby declares July 2024 as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and recognizes and celebrates the impactful work of the African American Male Wellness Agency in our community.