Closing the Care Divide

Policies and practices to support engagement in mental wellness

This week, we're spotlighting barriers to mental health care—and what we can do to create change.

Asking for help is HARD.

We may feel like people will judge us if we’re struggling or need support.

We may worry that even if we do get support, it might not be tailored to our unique needs.

We may feel uncomfortable when the people who provide support don’t adequately represent us, understand our languages or cultures, or understand our lived experiences.

If these statements resonate with you, you are not alone 🌿.

Almost half of the global adult population lives with a mental health condition. In the United States, half of the people who need mental health care do not receive it.

Why?

  • High treatment costs 💸

  • A critical shortage of mental health providers that represent the diversity of our country 📉

  • Stigma and discrimination 🚫

There will always be obstacles and challenges that stand in your way. Building mental strength will help you develop resilience to those potential hazards so you can continue on your journey to success.

Amy Morin

So what can we do? 💡

Check out these resources or share them with a friend or family member who may need support: 🔗

  • Free, anonymous, online mental health screening with resources from the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network:

    https://screening.hfihub.com/DWIHN 

    In crisis? Call 1-800-241-4949

  • Get free, brief, and science-backed mental health tools for young people ages 11-17: Project YES  

    Available in 7 languages, including English, Spanish, and Arabic

  • Participate in a free, brief, and science-backed online program for caregivers to build bravery and reduce anxiety in children and pre-teens: Project EMPOWER 

    Available in English, Spanish, and Creole

  • Advocate for legislation and elect lawmakers that support:

    Increased grant funding for community-informed biomedical research to improve and expand low-cost treatment options

    Develop and disseminate best practices with core competency trainings for health professionals

Want to learn more? Read our article here:

Policy Brief: Closing the Care DivideScientists MacKenna Shampine, Alaina Jaster, and our own Dr. Ruvvy discuss the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act (H.R.3548/S.1700) that would fund research on therapies tailored to individual lived experiences, increase provider availability and competency to serve clients representative of the US population, and develop outreach strategies to destigmatize mental health and promote treatment engagement in underserved communities. 531.92 KB • PDF File

The Greenhouse of the Mind:

Resources to Help You Bloom

Family House Music Dance Party at Palmer Park
📍 Palmer Park Community House & Splash Pad 990 Merrill Plaisance St, Detroit, MI 48203
📅 Sunday, July 13, 2025
🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

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Stay Resilient!