July marks the Bebe Moore Campbell Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Awareness Month. Campbell (1950–2006) was an American author, journalist and teacher who highlighted the unique strengths and challenges faced by people of color in relation to mental health.
BIPOC communities face unique challenges in accessing mental health care. Fear of judgment, cultural beliefs, generational differences, and lack of access to resources often prevent people of color from addressing struggles openly and seeking the help they need.
Stigma can manifest itself in many ways for people of color. It can look different based on culture, family values, and community views. Mental health struggles can be viewed as personal failures or weaknesses in some communities, which makes seeking help more difficult.
The public can better support BIPOC communities in their mental health journeys by reducing stigma and breaking the silence around mental health and have open and honest conversations, while respecting cultural beliefs.
For more resources or to take Mental Health America’s screening tests, visit mhanational.org/july
Health Solutions West Partnership with Grand Valley Yoga Fest
The Bohdi Lounge, sponsored by Mind Springs Foundation
Health Solutions West Foundation was pleased to sponsor and partner with the Grand Valley Yoga Fest. 2024 marked the fourth year of this diverse yoga festival, taught by renowned yoga teachers, musicians, and speakers who equipped attendees with tools for managing stress and anxiety in their day-to-day lives. Grand Valley Yoga Fest donates all proceeds to mental health and suicide awareness programs in the Grand Valley.
In recent years, Mesa County has been facing an alarming rise in suicide rates. According to the 2022 Mesa County Suicide Report, suicide death is most common among adults aged 25-64. Suicide rates continue to climb in Mesa County and remain higher than the state and national average, indicating a need for increased education and prevention measures.
The Grand Valley Yoga fest aims to bring the community together through yoga to connect, recharge, have fun, and give back to the community. This year’s proceeds went to Grand Valley area organizations Harmony Acres Equestrian Center, Second Wind Fund, Palisade High School, and Heartbeat of Grand Junction.
All Yoga photos courtesy of Grand Valley Yoga Fest, taken by Tim O’Connor.
MIND SPRINGS IN THE COMMUNITY
PACT Training and Service Continues in Pitkin County
The Aspen Times published an article on June 29 about the Pitkin Area Co-Responder Team. This program pairs officers with mental health professionals in response to calls that might involve substance use and/or mental health challenges. Mind Springs Health Program Director Kayla Bailey was quoted in the article saying, “Health Solutions West (formerly called Mind Springs) and the PACT team are grateful to be a part of a community of law enforcement partners who truly prioritize mental health.” The PACT Program is overseen by Bailey.
