FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DMH/MR CHIEF URGES MINORITY POPULATIONS TO SEEK MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT

MONTGOMERY – February is Black History Month, a time to recognize obstacles that have been overcome and to honor African-Americans who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and beyond. "It is also a time to recognize areas where African-Americans must continue to strive for equal access to the American dream," said Kathy Sawyer, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation. "A big issue that continues to confront – and often bypass – African-Americans is appropriate, effective mental health care."

"There is a whole story to be told about the place at which race and racism, and the way people respond to racial thoughts…intersects with mental illness," said Amy Alexander, a journalist and co-author of the book Lay My Burden Down. Ms. Alexander spoke at a congressional briefing on Capital Hill in October 2000 to discuss barriers that prevent minorities from accessing mental health care. These barriers include a lack of cultural competence among caregivers and a mistrust of medical practitioners and research scientists among minority cultures. At the congressional briefing, policy makers and public officials talked about existing problems and possible remedies. Cultural diversity training for mental health practitioners and educating members of minority groups about the importance of this issue were both discussed.

"I’m very proud of the fact that the stakeholders in Alabama’s system of mental health care have been aware of these obstacles and working hard to overcome them for a number of years," Sawyer said. "We have a Mental Health Minority Issues Task Force, and all of our staff – a dedicated workforce of approximately 4,000 people – went through an excellent, comprehensive cultural diversity training curriculum last year."

Commissioner Sawyer urges African-Americans and members of other minority groups across Alabama to improve their understanding of mental health problems and pledge to help their friends, family members or other loved ones in accessing treatment. "It is a shame that anybody with mental illness misses out on the latest scientific and medical technology because of a lack of understanding or for any other reason," Sawyer said. "Mental health needs are just as important as physical health needs."

Treatment for serious mental illness (like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) is often more effective than treatment for other medical problems such as heart or kidney disease. "Treatment for serious mental illness is effective 60 to 80 percent of the time," Sawyer said. 

For more information about mental health treatment options and contact information for your local mental health center, contact the DMH/MR Office of Public Information & Community Relations at (334) 242-3417 or the DMH/MR Bureau of Mental Illness Community Programs at (334) 242-3200. Information is also available on the DMH/MR web site at http://www.mh.state.al.us.