From: SAMHSA <noreply@samhsa.hhs.gov>
Date: February 5, 2024 at 4:45:13 PM EST
To: tkhodge@umd.edu
Subject: DTAC Bulletin: Black and African American Disaster Behavioral Health
Reply-To: SAMHSA <noreply@samhsa.hhs.gov>

 DTAC Bulletin: Black and African American Disaster Behavioral Health

Having trouble reading this email? View it in your browser Black and African American Disaster Behavioral Health Each year in February, Black History Month casts a spotlight on Black and African American communities; their foundational contributions, which help form the core of U.S. identity today; and their demonstration of remarkable resilience and unwavering determination. Despite the implications of historical trauma, experiences of bias and discrimination, and disparities in behavioral health care, these communities continue to work to forge a brighter future. Work to support and respond to Black communities impacted by disaster can help make more equitable behavioral health access and care a tangible reality. The following resources are dedicated to fostering an improved understanding of historical challenges in behavioral health care and quality to promote an equitable and inclusive path within the disaster behavioral health field for Black and African American communities. How Do We Lift the Burdens of History? Opportunities for the Behavioral Health Field Developed by the African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, this fact sheet details the impact of history on African Americans and their experiences of disparities within the behavioral health field. It highlights the historical burdens of trauma, losses, and betrayal, and offers modern approaches to reduce the disparity gap and foster trust within Black communities. Considerations to Improve Services for Black/African American Individuals with Disabilities and Mental Health Concerns This fact sheet, developed by the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities National Training Center, provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by Black and African American individuals with disabilities when seeking mental health services. It addresses the distinct issues in access and quality of care, offering practical recommendations for healthcare professionals to enhance mental health services and reduce disparities within Black and African American communities. Black Mental Health Provided by the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, this web page offers guidance for prioritizing mental health within Black communities. It encourages Black communities to maintain their mental well-being by providing actionable recommendations for self-care and supporting other community members in need of help. The web page links to additional resources and organizations focused on Black mental health. Improving Mental Health Outcomes for Vulnerable Black Children and Youth: A Toolkit for Practitioners Tailored for mental health practitioners, this toolkit details the complexities faced by African American children and youth in the realm of mental health. It enlightens practitioners about the historical and cultural factors impacting the well-being of young African Americans and equips professionals with strategies to enhance their support, including addressing historical trauma, racial trauma, and the issue of suicide among Black youth. Practical Strategies for Communities and Providers Engaging in the African American Community This infographic highlights ongoing efforts by communities and behavioral health providers to tackle disparities in behavioral health care for African American communities. It provides an overview of the approaches employed by both communities and behavioral health professionals to enhance treatment options and outcomes for Black communities. Help Improve SAMHSA's Disaster Services and Products As a subscriber to this newsletter, you are invited to participate in a short, web-based survey to provide the SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC) with feedback about your experiences with our products and services. The survey should take no more than 15 minutes. Complete the survey by clicking on this link, or copy and paste the URL https://iqsolutions.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bjYCSJDUQAGi1h3 into your web browser. Subscribe to The Dialogue The Dialogue is a quarterly e-newsletter that provides practical and down-to-earth information for disaster behavioral health coordinators, local service providers, federal agencies, and nongovernmental organizations. You can subscribe to the newsletter or contact SAMHSA DTAC by email at dtac@iqsolutions.com to contribute an article to an upcoming issue. Questions About the SAMHSA DTAC Bulletin? The SAMHSA DTAC Bulletin is a monthly newsletter used to share updates in the field, post upcoming activities, and highlight new resources. For more information, please contact: Nikki D. Bellamy, Ph.D. 240-276-2418 nikki.bellamy@samhsa.hhs.gov CAPT Maryann E. Robinson, Ph.D., RN 240–276–1883 maryann.robinson@samhsa.hhs.gov Reference in this email to any specific commercial products, process, service, manufacturer, or company does not constitute its endorsement or recommendation by SAMHSA. SAMHSA is not responsible for the contents of any "off-site" webpage referenced in this email. Share Share Forward Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration  5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857 USA 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) | www.samhsa.gov | Privacy Subscribe. Forward to a friend. This email was delivered to tkhodge@umd.edu. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. 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