Black Mental Health Canada receives funding to support the mental health of Black individuals and communities

BY PAUL JUNOR

It was truly an empowering and enriching day when it was announced on Friday, February 24^th, 2023, in a press release that Black Mental Health Inc. will be receiving close to $1.5 million to support the mental health of Black individuals and Black communities.

Black Mental Health Canada (BMHC) advocates for culturally safe, accessible and affordable Mental Health Care for the diverse Black communities in Canada. The mission of BMHC is to improve the mental health and well-being of Black individuals and communities in Canada by advocating for culturally competent mental health services and promoting community education and empowerment. Furthermore, BMHC aims to address the disparities in mental health care faced by Black individuals and communities and promote culturally responsive mental health services.

In order to accomplish this mission, BMHC is driven by the vision to create a society where Black individuals and communities have equitable access to culturally responsive and effective mental health services, and where mental wellness is valued and prioritized within Black communities. One of the core values that undergirds this vision is the belief that mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall health and well-being, and that all individuals, regardless of race or cultural background, deserve access to high-quality mental health care.

BMHC promotes its vision by:

• Advocating for change
• Raising awareness about the unique mental health needs of Black communities in Canada

BMHC will be receiving $400,000 for its project that will develop Black-centric, trauma-responsive community support services in Toronto’s Regent Park community. Nazario Ahmed, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Wanasah states, “With a Black Centric and Cultural trauma program in Regent Park and neighbouring communities, we can help build trust, restore dignity, and promote a sense of purpose and belonging. This is not just about addressing past trauma, but also about building a better future for generations to come.”

Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth states, “The road to recovery is complex for those who have experienced mental health challenges and trauma-especially for people who face social exclusion, marginalization, and stigma. This is why our government is proud to support organizations like Black Mental Health Canada and Wanasah to build Black-centric and trauma-response services to better serve the mental health needs of these communities.”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health states, “Black communities in Canada continue to face many systemic challenges and barriers to mental health care, and our government is committed to addressing them. The projects announced today will create environments for improved mental health outcomes and will ensure that Black individuals and communities across Canada experiencing mental health challenges have access to the most appropriate, culturally relevant supports and services they need by the most appropriate provider.”

Alice Wiafe, President of BMHC notes, “We are honoured and excited to receive funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada to further our mission of promoting mental health and wellness in Black communities. With this funding, we can expand our programs and services to better support the mental health needs of Black Canadians, who have historically faced systemic barriers to accessing appropriate care. Our team at Black Mental Health Canada is committed to working tirelessly to ensure that our communities receive the support they need to thrive, and we thank the Public Health Agency of Canada for their investment in our work.”

Anyone interested in learning about Black Mental Health Canada, can check:  https://blackmentalhealth.ca/