Community Health Centers Take Part in National Wellness Month In a month that lends itself to time off, family vacations, and soaking up the summer sun, it’s only fitting that August is National Wellness Month. In 2018, Live Love Spa founded National Wellness Month “to foster community, connection, and commerce in the wellness industry.” Since then it has grown to be less about commerce and more about a time to, according to the National Day Calendar, “prioritize your self-care, reduce stress, and create healthier habits to feel like your best self!” Key Objectives for National Wellness Month National Wellness Month aims to inspire individuals to prioritize their well-being and adopt practices that contribute to a healthier, more balanced life. Key objectives include the following:Promoting the…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in July, is dedicated to raising awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by minority communities in the United States. Established in 2008 by the U.S. House of Representatives, this month-long observance aims to promote inclusive mental health education and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues among diverse racial and ethnic groups. Key Objectives Key objectives of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month include: • Raising Awareness: Highlighting the prevalence of mental health conditions in minority populations and the need for culturally competent care.• Education: Providing resources and information about mental health, including symptoms, treatment options, and coping strategies tailored to the needs of minority groups.• Advocacy: Encouraging policy…
June 19 is Juneteenth: a Time of Celebration and Contemplation
June 19 is Juneteenth: a Time of Celebration and Contemplation “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.” —Martin Luther King, Jr. Juneteenth is an annual federal holiday that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, which took place on June 19, 1865. Is there a connection between Juneteenth and healthcare equity? Yes. As Juneteenth celebrates freedom and resilience, it recognizes the ongoing fight for equality and justice. That includes addressing systemic inequities that continue to affect African American communities, including in healthcare. Healthcare disparities are a critical issue for Black Americans, who often face barriers such as limited access to quality care, implicit bias in medical treatment, and socioeconomic factors that negatively impact…
Celebrating Pride and Championing Equal Healthcare for All
Celebrating Pride and Championing Equal Healthcare for All June marks Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and honor the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance. While strides have been made in securing rights and visibility, there is one area that is still in need of critical attention: equitable access to healthcare for underserved LGBTQ+ populations, including those among the Black, Hispanic and AAPI communities. Healthcare disparities are particularly pronounced among LGBTQ+ individuals, who often face unique challenges due to stigma, discrimination, and a lack of culturally competent care. These barriers can lead to negative health outcomes, including higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, and chronic diseases. In addition, a study conducted in 2021 revealed that Black LGBTQ+…