On June 14, APA got an early start with the Moore Equity Initiaitve by kicking off with the first roundtable, "Combating the Nationwide LGBTQI+ Youth Mental Health Crisis." The panel included Tami D. Benton, M.D., President, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Shamieka Virella Dixon, M.D., Division Chief of Adolescent Medicine, Levine Children's Hospital; Roberta Laguerre-Frederique, M.D., Director of Prevention & Outreach Services, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children; and moderator Regina S. James, M.D., Deputy Medical Director & Chief of the Division of Diversity and Health Equity, American Psychiatric Association. The discussion focused on the contributing factors to the LGBTQ+ youth of color suicide crisis, and emphasized the importance of education, outreach, and advocacy in addressing these challenges. Attendees left equipped with effective strategies to support LGBTQI+ youth and promote a more inclusive environment that prioritizes their mental health and well-being, reinforcing a collective commitment to combating this pressing public health emergency.

The next roundtable hosted on August 1, featured a fireside chat with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Assistant Secretary for Employee Benefits Security, Lisa M. Gomez, J.D., who shared her insight on how the U.S. department of labor can support the mental health of young people and equip the workforce system with resources and connections to ensure that youth employment programs are a bridge to the wellness services young people need.

The final roundtable on August 19, "Closing the Wide Racial Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis on Youth of Color," featured panelists Gemma Espejo, M.D., Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California; Adrian Preda, M.D., Editor in Chief of Psychiatric News; and Nitin Gogtay, M.D., Deputy Medical Director and Chief of the Division of Research at APA. The discussion focused on barriers and challenges for childhood schizophrenia and youth mental health grounded in principles of racial equity and the role of power and privilege in the perpetuation of mental health inequities.

Following the virtual offerings, the community-based activities launched on July 20 with APA’s seminal event the 5K Run, Walk and Roll at Wheaton Regional Park. In its fourth year, the event seeks to bring more awareness to mental health inequities facing young people of color and honor mental health equity advocate Bebe Moore Campbell. A hearty congratulations goes to the top 3 fundraising teams this year: The Caucus of Black Psychiatrists ($10,830), Caucus of American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian Psychiatrists ($$9,030) and MAYO Psych IDEA Team ($3,825). Altogether, participants, including APA member psychiatrists and their teams raised $77,429 which will be awarded to non-profits applying for APA community grants. This grant program supports organizations that deliver innovative programming, promote awareness, increase equitable access or enhance the quality of culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services.

On July 24, the second annual Mental Health Youth Summit took place in partnership with Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute. The event kicked off with 400 youth in attendance and showcased various speakers including APA CEO and Medical Director, Dr. Marketa Wills, and one of our partners from the JED Foundation, Dr. Zainab Okolo. Smaller group sessions hosted by SchoolTalk DC and WISE Center, equipped youth with conflict resolution skills, mindfulness techniques and information on the impact of trauma on the brain.

On September 14, community members gathered at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Mary and Frances Youth Center for the third annual Moore Equity in Mental Health Community Fair. The health fair was free to the community and aimed to connect Richmond residents with vital mental health resources, while also providing a day of family fun. Attendees enjoyed a variety of engaging activities, including an interactive workshop on creating a mental health coping toolbox hosted by LeTeisha Gordon from A Better Day Than Yesterday; an informational session from local psychiatrist Dr. Sherin Moideen, member of the Psychiatric Society of Virginia; and a jump rope contest hosted by Dr. Jay Barnett, the initiative’s grand marshal. The mental health fair not only served as an informative hub for mental health services but also as a celebration of community spirit and resilience, showcasing performances by All Star Stomp n Shake cheer-leading squad composed of youth groups of various ages and led by coach Shaia Scott.

Experts were on hand to answer questions, share resources, and connect individuals with support systems tailored to their needs, such as the local food bank Feed More, the National Hispanic Medical Association, and the Golden Rams, a VCU student group involved in spreading awareness around mental health and suicide prevention.

The APA’s MOORE Initiative continues to be a beacon for mental health awareness, emphasizing equity and access to care. With each passing year, the event amplifies different community resources, reflecting each location’s commitment to improving mental health support for all. Learn more about the initiative here.