“It is our vast array of histories and experiences that paint the beauty of human existence. True inclusion highlights understanding, unity, sharing, and growth. May we approach ourselves and others with the bravest love and the fiercest hope, together.” - Crystal Hernandez, Executive Director Oklahoma Forensic Center
Since 2008, July has been recognized as Minority Mental Health Month, bringing awareness to the struggles of underserved populations. In 2020, straying away from the term “minority” and utilizing more inclusive language, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health Month emerged. BIPOC embraces person-first language which prioritizes the identity of individuals with unique and varied experiences.
Mental health impacts all populations; however, data tells us that it occurs at a greater severity in underserved populations that face barriers, including unmet basic needs and racial trauma. Blacks are 10 percent more likely to experience serious psychological stress, Indigenous youth experience significant suicide rates (2nd leading cause of death 2018-2019), and Latinos were 50 percent less likely to have received mental health treatment as compared to non-Latino whites (HHS Office of Minority Health, 2021).
To address these disparities, BIPOC Mental Health Month elevates the need for awareness, support and advocacy. It begins the difficult conversations of equity, cultural impact and inclusion. Help comes in the form of education, an example of which can be found in the 2021 toolkit for BIPOC Mental Health. The three topic areas in this toolkit are community care, self-directed care and culturally-rooted care. Download the 2021 toolkit from Mental Health America here.
The 2021 theme for BIPOC Mental Health Month is “Strength in Communities.” Strength in communities is something woven through the fabric of Oklahomans’ existence and experience. We are a state made up of diverse populations, and in disasters, we have united. This has led to the heartfelt phrase “Oklahoma Strong,” often used as encouragement during trying times.
During BIPOC month, I challenge everyone to consider what makes us strong, as an agency, as a community and as public servants. Then, consider how we can harvest that strength to uplift and support the members of the BIPOC communities we serve.
I welcome ODMHSAS employees to contribute to our agency’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Action committee. Please consider letting your supervisor know so you can be nominated to serve in that capacity.
Thank you all for your work in making ODMHSAS a community of change.
Inchokma (Be Well)
Johnna James, Chickasaw
Tribal Liaison
- Author
Johnna James, Chickasaw, MSNAL
Johnna James is the Tribal Liaison for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and a proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. Johnna's role includes indigenizing prevention and treatment models as well as developing training and curriculum so that they are meaningful and appropriate for indigenous people. She also assists in strategic planning efforts to build sustainable frameworks for community programs. Johnna is a member of the United Nations-USA Association, National Native American Boarding School Healing coalition, the Oklahoma and National Indian Child Welfare Associations, and was recently appointed a U.S. Delegate for UN 65th Commission on the Status of Women. Johnna earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma prior to earning her Master’s Degree in Native American Leadership from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
