Improving Black Mental Health: A Collective Call to Action

A constellation of factors detrimentally affects Black mental health at individual and community levels. Issues such as racism, trauma, and a lack of culturally relevant services prevent access to timely, high-quality mental health treatment. These negative experiences, exacerbated by the current impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, contribute to the increased prevalence of mental health conditions in Black communities. The authors call for a Wellness First approach to dismantle the status quo and to mobilize collective action among individuals, providers, organizations, funders, and policy makers to create equitable opportunities that promote healing and prevent further trauma in Black communities.