One in five American adults live with a mental illness, yet access to treatment remains a challenge.
This is especially true for low-income and minority populations, who bear a disproportionate burden of both mental health and chronic illness, the two of which are intrinsically linked, exacerbating the economic hardship they face.
In fact, treatment rates for adults vary widely across demographic groups.
According to NAMI, non-Hispanic white adults are more than twice as likely to receive treatment for a mental illness as Asian Americans.
These numbers have increased slowly in Hispanic or Latino and Black or African American communities, but still do not reach parity.
A new report from Meharry Medical College’s School of Global Health examines the projected impact on the U.S. economy of not addressing mental health inequities, and the findings are startling.
What are the barriers that prevent racial and ethnic minority groups, and other marginalized, rural, and under-resourced populations, from receiving treatment? What are the unique mental health needs of racially and ethnically diverse communities? What are the economic costs of not investing in mental health services, treatment, and programs? What can Washington do to redress these inequities? And how can we change the conversation about minority mental health to reduce stigma and promote more integrated and equitable care?
To celebrate Minority Mental Health Awareness Month this July, The Hill will convene a diverse group of administration officials, lawmakers, health care providers and advocates to elevate the research and findings of Meharry Global Health School’s 2024 study, “The Projected Costs and Economic Impacts of Mental Health Inequalities in the United States,” and support efforts to meet the needs of America’s disadvantaged communities.
Program segments:
Headliner Interviews | Mental health policy, not politics (In conversation with Cheyenne M. Daniels, race and politics reporter for The Hill)
- Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.)Co-Chair of the Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
- Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY)Member of the House Financial Services Committee and Founder of the Clubhouse Caucus
Report Overview | Projected Costs and Economic Impact (In conversation with Cheyenne M. Daniels, race and politics reporter for The Hill)
- Daniel DawesAuthor, Founding Dean and Senior Vice President of Meharry School of Global Health, Meharry Medical College Political determinants of health
Panel Discussion | Defending Fairness (In conversation with Cheyenne M. Daniels, race and politics reporter for The Hill)
- Daniel GillisonCEO, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Dr. Patrice HarrisCo-Founder and CEO of eMed, Former President of the American Medical Association (AMA)
- Dr. Gary Packlein President and CEO, National Minority Quality Forum
- Chris DeCouHead of Global Behavioral Health, Amazon
Sponsor’s Perspective |Otsuka
- Caroline Fisher O’NeillAlliance Development Director, Government Relations and Public Policy, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
- Greselda Butler Director of Independent Medical Education and Public Relations, Development and Commercialization Department, Otsuka Pharmaceutical
Headliner Interview | Mental Health Inequalities (In conversation with Cheyenne M. Daniels, race and politics reporter for The Hill)
- Dr. Billina ShawSenior Medical Advisor, Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Have questions? Contact us on social media Follow Use #TheHillMentalHealth
sponsor:
Otsuka Pharmaceutical is a healthcare company driven by our mission and defining what we believe. Otsuka Pharmaceutical deeply respects the value of every heart and will not rest until mental and brain disorders are addressed with the same priority and urgency as physical health and recognized as chronic conditions that require early, equitable and accessible intervention. Otsuka Pharmaceutical is committed to shaping and responding to the regulatory, reimbursement and legislative environment to research, develop and deliver treatments to those who need them. Through our products, programs, policies and advocacy, Otsuka Pharmaceutical employees will push back against any limitations until every heart is valued. See our commitment to mental health for all.
