A Dane County-funded coalition has launched an initiative aimed at eliminating racial disparities in mental health for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) populations. This first-of-its-kind initiative was launched at the beginning of July, which is BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month.
According to a press release from RISE Wisconsin, the BIPOC Mental Health Coalition has the specific goal of creating affinity spaces to address such disparities among people who identify as BIPOC, as well as supporting community agency efforts to address the mental health needs of these populations.
The coalition was founded in 2023 by leaders from RISE Wisconsin and Journey Mental Health Center, with initial funding provided by Dane County. Since its inception, the coalition has officially held its first three meetings, with several prominent community members and organizations joining the lead advisory group to address issues facing BIPOC mental health and substance use.
The advisory group is co-run by RISE and Journey and is made up of BIPOC leaders committed to the well-being of their communities, including individuals with lived experience as participants in the mental health system.
To learn more about the BIPOC Mental Health Coalition, click here.
