Note: This is the second in a 2-part series highlighting the APA’s 2023 MOORE Equity in Mental Health Initiative. (Read Part 1, which addressed honoring Bebe Moore Campbell, the Roundtable on Maternal Mental Health, and the Community Fair.)

Collaborating with DC’s Youth Leadership Institute for Inaugural Youth Mental Health Summit

In response to the U.S. Surgeon General's advisory on the youth mental health (.pdf) crisis in the U.S., APA held the inaugural APA Moore Equity in Mental Health Youth Summit on July 12. Through this one-day summit, APA collaborated with the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute to design a youth-centered mental health event focused on cultivating mental wellness among 150 young people of color in Washington, D.C. This summit aimed to increase mental health awareness, empower youth to advocate for their own mental wellness, facilitate peer support and engagement, and introduce youth attendees to early career mental health clinicians. Given the disconcerting youth mental health statistics, this event had a critical role in creating a space for open dialogue directly with youth.

Students heard from Jay Barnett, Grand Marshall for the initiative, who described his own experiences struggling with mental health as a former athlete and a Black man. They also participated in a peer-led workshop presented by the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health on mental health and psychosocial support. In the final session of the day, attendees had the opportunity to learn more about creative mental health coping skills from three youth authors of the collaborative novel, “What It Cost Us: Stories of Pandemic & Protest in D.C.,” who used creative writing to process the challenging and life-changing events of 2020. Read more about the Youth Summit.

Shining a Light on Teen Suicide and Mental Wellness: A Roundtable Discussion

The next in the event series was a roundtable conversation on teen suicide among Black youth held on July 27. Teen suicide is an issue that knows no bounds, affecting communities across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines. However, the stark reality is that Black youth face unique challenges that can exacerbate mental health issues. Discrimination, systemic inequities, and cultural stigma can all contribute to the feelings of isolation and hopelessness that may lead to such tragic outcomes.

This critical conversation featured MEMHI Grand Marshal Jay Barnett and APA Deputy Medical Director, Chief of Diversity & Health Equity, and child/adolescent psychiatrist Regina James, M.D. It was moderated by Candice Adkins Wilson, news producer at Howard University Radio Network. The session aimed to illuminate strategies and resources for supporting young individuals of color in their mental health journeys. Barnett highlighted these important discussions around mental wellness can be started through simple conversations about how a youth’s day went. It only takes a small comment to spark a much-needed dialogue. Learn more and watch the recording of this roundtable.

Wrapping Up with the 3rd Annual APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health 5K Run, Walk and Roll

Over 100 people gathered at Wheaton Regional Park in Maryland and almost 500 joined across the nation and globe to participate in the 3rd Annual APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health 5K Run, Walk, and Roll. The 5K event marked a fitting finale to the MEMHI, raising awareness and over $81,000 in funds from 670 donors and including a $25,000 donation from the premier 5K sponsor Janssen, for the APA Foundation MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program. All seven of APA’s Minority and Underrepresented Caucuses and multiple District Branches had 5K teams, and overall, a total of 44 teams from 31 states and 6 countries participated. Proceeds from the annual 5K go to non-profits, each receiving up to $10,000 over two years to support efforts focused on improving the mental health of youth of color. Learn more about the 5K.

Help Us Spread the Word About This Grant Opportunity

Help us continue our impact by sharing about the APA Foundation MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program, which is supported annually through funds raised by the APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health 5K Run, Walk and Roll. The grants support community organizations that have undertaken innovative awareness programs and/or have provided services to improve the mental health of young people of color. See information on previous grantees. The MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program application cycle is open from Aug. 21 to Sept. 30. Share the information and application today!

Join Us in 2024

The 2023 APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health Initiative made a significant impact in advancing mental health equity and awareness. By nurturing essential discussions and encouraging community involvement, this initiative took meaningful steps to raise awareness and connect people to valuable mental health resources. Help us continue this impact and stay tuned for next year’s events at psychiatry.org/mooreequity.

By Veronica Handunge, M.P.H.
On behalf of APA's Division of Diversity & Health Equity

Contact the APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health Initiative at [email protected].