Finally, a Program to Support Black Student Mental Health

by Anissa Durham, Word in Black

A new initiative is transforming mental health support for Black and Brown college students, reaching over 50 campuses nationwide — and it’s just getting started. The Excellence in Mental Health on Campus program is spearheaded by The Steve Fund, a national organization that works to support the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.

With the rates of mental health illness, overdose, and suicide death increasing among young people of color — the organization is offering campus level resources by and for students. Monica Ingkavet, director of program and partnerships at the organization, says part of their focus on young people of color is because of existing disparities they experience. The initiative comes at a time when access to mental health resources is increasingly difficult, expensive, and scarce. Meeting students where they are offers young college students the opportunity to get connected with others and care for their mental health.  

Word In Black sat down with Ingkavet, who shared more about this initiative and it’s importance to the mental health of young Black and Brown students.

Read their discussion.

A long history of oppression harms Black mental health.

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