More Good Days Start With an Honest Check-In: Honoring BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month in Maryland

Each July, communities across the country recognize Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to focus on the unique strengths and challenges that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color face when it comes to mental health. You may also hear it called BIPOC Mental Health Month. Whatever name you use, the purpose is the same: to create space for honest conversation, reduce stigma, and make sure BIPOC communities know that culturally responsive mental health care exists and is available to them. Mental Health America

Who Was Bebe Moore Campbell?

BIPOC Mental Health Month began as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, established in 2008 by the U.S. House of Representatives to honor Bebe Moore Campbell's legacy. Campbell was a Black American author, journalist, and advocate who spoke openly about her loved ones' experiences with mental illness, as well as the barriers they faced as Black individuals trying to get support. She understood firsthand how racism and cultural stigma could make it even harder for people of color to get mental health care. In 2003, she co-founded NAMI-Inglewood, a chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, specifically to support Black communities in Los Angeles.

She was a literary trailblazer who used her words to address the profound impact of racism, mental health, and the enduring strength of culture, community, and connection — and she became a national change agent whose work revolutionized how we approach mental health in underserved communities. Her vision was straightforward: create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. That vision is what this month honors every July. NAMI Southwest Ohio

Why This Month Still Matters

The barriers Bebe Moore Campbell fought against have not disappeared. Research has consistently shown that BIPOC individuals are less likely than white people to receive mental health services. And when they do receive care, it is often lower quality, less culturally competent, and more influenced by provider bias. Black adults are more likely to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia even when presenting with symptoms of depression or PTSD. Indigenous communities often face geographic and financial barriers that make accessing care nearly impossible.

Racism is not just a social issue — it is a public health issue that affects every area of health, including mental health. Experiencing racism can lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, and trauma. And these symptoms often go unrecognized or dismissed even within mental health systems, which can be even more traumatic.

Only 5% of psychologists in the U.S. workforce are Black, according to the American Psychological Association. This lack of representation makes it difficult for individuals in the BIPOC community to relate to providers — and providers may not fully understand how systemic racism impacts BIPOC mental health and wellbeing.

These are not abstract statistics. They describe real people in our community — in Glen Burnie, in Anne Arundel County, in Maryland — who deserve better access and better care.

This Month Is Also About Strength

BIPOC Mental Health Month is not just about acknowledging pain. BIPOC communities have long histories of healing practices, community care, and intergenerational resilience. Taking care of your mental health does not always look like sitting in a therapist's office. It might look like gathering for a shared meal, leaning on elders, or participating in cultural traditions that affirm your identity and worth.

Resilience is real. And it should be honored — not used as a reason to deny anyone the support they deserve.

Moving Beyond the Surface

This year's theme, More Good Days, asks us to reflect on what a good day actually looks like — for ourselves and for our communities. One way to start is by moving beyond the standard check-in. Instead of only asking "Are you okay?" try asking something more honest:

• What has been heavy for you lately?

• What do you need more support with?

• What have you been holding in because you did not want to burden anyone?

• What would help you feel more like yourself again?

Honest check-ins create connection. Connection creates safety. And safety can become the first step toward healing.

What Support at August Rose Looks Like

At August Rose Health Center, our goal is to provide compassionate, culturally responsive mental health services that meet people where they are. Through outpatient mental health therapy, psychiatric services, and psychiatric rehabilitation support, we help individuals and families in the Glen Burnie and Anne Arundel County area build coping skills, strengthen emotional wellness, and take practical steps toward stability and growth.

We accept Maryland Medicaid including all HealthChoice plans, and offer both in-person and telehealth services. We also know that beginning services can feel intimidating. Many people wonder if their concerns are serious enough for therapy. Others worry about being judged, misunderstood, or dismissed. We want our community to know: your feelings are valid, your story matters, and support is available.

You do not have to wait until everything falls apart to ask for help.

An Invitation

This BIPOC Mental Health Month, we invite you to pause and notice what you have been carrying. Notice where you have been surviving when you deserve to feel supported.

Healing does not always happen all at once. Sometimes it begins with giving yourself permission to be honest. One conversation. One appointment. One honest check-in.

August Rose Health Center is here when you are ready.

Contact us to schedule an appointment →

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support.