Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was created to spread awareness of struggles that racial and ethnic minorities are faced with regarding mental illness. Access to treatment is one of the biggest challenges faced by those looking for mental health supports. The Treatment Advocacy Center found that up to 50% of people killed by police were in the middle of a mental health crisis, with black people being three times more likely to be killed. Health advocates argue 911 was not designed for health crises, and can be detrimental to minorities. On July 16, ‘9-8-8’ went live nationally. 9-8-8 is a hotline to expand and strengthen the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (also known as ‘the Lifeline’). It is a country-wide crisis center, established to improve access to crisis services, rather than just Emergency Medical Services (or 911). 

School educators and health partners can spread this number through resources or promotions around the school. 9-8-8 connects people of all ages to counselors who are experienced on behavioral health, mental health, substance use topics, crisis intervention, mental health referrals and suicide prevention- it is also confidential, free and multi-lingual. Having this information to educate and refer children is essential for all children, but especially for minority children who may be experiencing any of these issues or concerns. Below are more resources that can be provided to educate school staff and health partners.