MHA's Blog: Chiming In

The Washington Post recently ran a story on Sean Duvalol, a homeless Gulf War veteran who called a suicide hotline. He was carrying a note to his family and a homemade gun. The counselor told him to stay put and that help was on the way. Police arrived and took Duvall, who was homeless and unemployed at the time of the incident in June 2011, to a psychiatric facility. He is now being treated for depression and has a job an apartment.  However, he has been charged with four federal counts involving manufacturing and possessing a homemade gun that carry a 40-year prison sentence. Mental Health America last week sent a letter to the U.S. Attorney calling on him to dismiss the charges, which you can read here.

Read more...

Mental Health America Celebrates Black History Month and African American Pioneers in Mental Health

Mental Health America (MHA) celebrates “Black History Month” and acknowledges pioneers in mental health who served as the impetus for raising awareness of the need for culturally competent care, mental health treatment services, as well as research and access to care for all Americans; particularly African Americans.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) statistics an estimated 19 million people in the United States experience depression each year. African Americans are a population that is less likely to seek help for mental illness. The lifetime prevalence rate of depression among African American women is 12.6 compared to 6.3 among African America men. African Americans shared history of inequality and discrimination has had its effects on the population. For more information and to read about African American Pioneers in Mental Health, go to our Black History Month page.

Read more...