SURJ CCC Meeting – Racial Disparities in Mental Health Services

Rates of mental illnesses in African Americans are similar with those of the general population. However, disparities exist in regard to mental health care services. Racial/ethnic minorities often suffer from poor mental health outcomes due to multiple factors including inaccessibility of high quality mental health care services, cultural stigma surrounding mental health care, discrimination, and overall lack of awareness about mental health. Join us to hear Gigi Crowder, Executive Director and Ashley Ciullo, Outreach Coordinator, from NAMI Contra Costa talk about NAMI CC and “Racial Disparities in Mental Health Services.” NAMI Contra Costa’s Mission Statement is to provide support, outreach, education and advocacy to families affected by and individuals living with a mental illness.

February 15 is also the birthday of Miles Hall, a 23-year old beloved son and brother living with a mental illness who was shot and killed by Walnut Creek police on June 2, 2019. Since his death, his parents, Taun and Scott Hall, have been joined by an advocacy group formed on their behalf, FOSATH friends of Scott, Alexis and Taun Hall, who have been fighting to create change and protect families from loss like the tragic death of Miles. They have recently created the Miles Hall Foundation to continue and expand their work. A collection will be taken for the Miles Hall Foundation.