2021 Virtual Roundtable Series: Community-Based Organizations Build Pathways to Behavioral Health Equity for Communities of Color
Within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial disparities, community-based organizations (CBOs) have elevated their response to the behavioral health needs of racially/ethnically diverse communities. The 2021 National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED) Virtual Roundtable three-part series presents the innovative and resilient work of CBOs in a time of healing and recovery.
Part 1 – Adapting to the Behavioral Health Needs of Underserved and Racially/Ethnically Diverse Youth
The COVID-19 pandemic on top of growing racial tensions across the nation are impacting youth mental health—including stress, anxiety, and fear. With school closures and the digital divide, young people are missing a sense of structure and stimulation and are at greater risk for social isolation while not receiving the social support that is essential for their overall mental health and well-being.
The NNED Virtual Roundtable will discuss how CBOs working with underserved and racially/ethnically diverse youth—Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), immigrant and refugee, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and 2-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+)—are quickly shifting their practices and programs in today’s unprecedented environment to address these mental health needs. Responses to these growing needs of youth include bolstering methods for telehealth, shifting to more remote positions, and providing services in innovative ways. Panelists will share methods for how they are enhancing their staff’s skills and shifting roles to build resilience and competently respond in crisis situations.
Population(s) of Focus: Underserved and Racially/Ethnically Diverse Youth Organizations
Access the Recording and Materials:
- Watch the recording of the NNED Virtual RoundtableAdapting to the Behavioral Health Needs of Underserved and Racially/Ethnically Diverse Youth
- View the slides from the NNED Virtual Roundtable
- Learn more about the panelists
Resources Shared by Panelists:
- Access the Behavioral Health Barometer, Volume 6 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which includes data shared by Dr. Mary Roary during the Virtual Roundtable.
- Learn more about Youth MOVE National
- Learn more about the Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board, Inc.
- Learn more about the Maine Environmental Education Association
- Learn more about Life Is Precious™, the Latina suicide prevention program at Comunilife
- Learn more about the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
Additional Resources:
- Watch the 2018 NNED Virtual Roundtable Creating Supportive Systems to Improve Mental Health Outcomes for Young African American Boys
- Read the report Building Life Skills, Connectedness, and Resilience in Youth, from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center
- View the National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2020 from The Trevor Project
Date: 2021