July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which often impacts ones decision making, social interactions, and coping strategies. Those that suffer from poor mental health can also see a decline in physical health, ultimately leading to shorter life spans and higher rates of suicide.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
• Over 70 percent of Black or African American adolescents with a major depressive episode did not receive treatment for their condition
• Almost 25 percent of adolescents with a major depressive episode in the last year were Hispanic/Latino
• Asian American adults were less likely to use mental health services than any other racial/ethnic groups
• In the past year, nearly one in 10 American Indian or Alaska Native young adults had serious thoughts of suicide
• In the past year, one in seven Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults had a diagnosable mental illness
While self-help may be beneficial, it is still important to seek professional treatment. Listed below are some accessible options of organizations throughout the state of Maryland that work with minority groups to address mental health:
• Black Mental Health Alliance
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Maryland
• Maryland Crisis Connect - Call 211, Press 1
It is important to recognize that mental illness is both preventable and treatable. During this month of July, we aim to bring awareness to mental health in order to reach optimal health in minority communities.
(Information from Maryland Office if Minority Health and Health Disparities)
Health Department Podcast - The Doctor Is In 
The first episode of the Health Department podcast,
The Doctor Is In airs on Howard Community College’s Radio station beginning this month. This episode looks at the state of the opioid crisis. It features the very personal story of a Peer Support Specialist helping others into recovery and a view of what the State is doing to address the issue.
You can listen at:
https://dragondigitalradio.podbean.com/category/the-doctor-is-in
Teen Health Expo to be Held at Columbia Mall
The Health Department and Teen Health Matters will present a Teen Health Expo at the Mall in Columbia on Friday, July 20, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Information and resources about cancer prevention, mental health awareness, tobacco cessation and more will be available on the plaza area near the Starbucks. The Healthmobile will be on location to provide STD/HIV testing.
There will be raffles and gift card giveaways throught the afternoon.
Featured Video
Howard County Health Department Peer Support Specialist, Scott Sheldon, talks about his experience with substance misuse and the purpose of the Good Samaritan Law.