“We are deeply saddened by this traumatic event in Atlanta that cost eight people their lives.
“NAMI condemns all acts of violence and discrimination directed toward members of the Asian American community. In the same way we fight discrimination against people with mental illness, we stand united against racist and violent acts against any particular community.
“The effects of racial trauma on mental health are profound and cannot be ignored. As the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, it is our responsibility to serve all. We offer our resources to help members of Asian American community to seek mental health care and to heal.
Racism is a public health crisis, and we stand with the Asian American community as they go through this painful experience. NAMI is here for you and you are not alone.”
5/29/2020
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) today released the following statement from CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., regarding recent racist incidents across the country and their impact on mental health:
“The effect of racism and racial trauma on mental health is real and cannot be ignored. The disparity in access to mental health care in communities of color cannot be ignored. The inequality and lack of cultural competency in mental health treatment cannot be ignored.
“Our nation’s African American community is going through an extremely painful experience right now, pain that has been inflicted upon this community repeatedly throughout history. We stand with all the families, friends and communities who have lost loved ones senselessly due to racism. And, with more than 100,000 lives lost to the coronavirus pandemic - disproportionately from minority communities - these recent deaths add gasoline to the fire of injustice.
“While there is much we need to do to address racism in our country, we must not forget the importance of mental health as we do so. Racism is a public health crisis.
“As the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, it is our responsibility to serve all. While as an organization we are still early in our intentional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion journey and have much to do, we have renewed our commitment to our values. We continue to strive to deliver help and hope to all who need it.
“NAMI stands in solidarity with everyone impacted across the country. You are not alone.”
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8/27/2020