Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. to use MHA National Screening and Prevention program data to show gaps in resources
Alexandria, VA – Mental Health America (MHA) and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Zeta Phi Beta) today announced a partnership to broaden the reach of resources and reduce stigma in Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities. Each organizations’ wide national reach via affiliates, chapters, and members will allow for collaboration to understand unmet needs, better provide and develop culturally relevant supports, and engage with more members of the BIPOC community.
In addition, Zeta Phi Beta will disseminate the Mental Health America National Screening and Prevention Program to its wide membership and community reach. The twofold benefits mean more individuals will be connected to resources after taking a free, confidential screening, and data will help to better inform the needs of BIPOC communities.
“To reduce stigma in Black and Brown communities, two things need to be true,” said Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President and CEO of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. “There needs to be more representation of Black and Brown individuals in mental health research and members of our communities need to hear reflective experiences from individuals that look like them so they know they are not alone. I am proud that, through our partnership with Mental Health America, Zeta Phi Beta will be a driving force for more representation.”
Fewer than 10% of screeners in MHA’s 2022 screening data identified as Black, and only 15% identified as Hispanic or Latino. However, BIPOC identifying groups showed high rates of mental health conditions, with rates of suicidal ideation higher than rates for white screeners.
“Our National Screening and Prevention Program provides invaluable insights into the number and needs of people around the country searching for mental health help,” said Schroeder Stribling, MHA president and CEO. “We are excited that this partnership will expand the breadth of Zeta Phi Beta’s already incredible community outreach, and that more inclusive data can be used by communities and in advocacy to get culturally relevant and accessible services in place.”
Learn more about Mental Health America and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
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About Mental Health America
Mental Health America is the nation’s leading community-driven nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being, resilience, recovery, and closing the mental health equity gap. Mental Health America’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of whole person health , including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; and integrated care, services and supports for those who need them. Learn more at MHAnational.org.
About Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded in 1920 on the campus of Howard University, and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Zeta Phi Beta has initiated a diverse membership of more than 125,000 college-educated women with more than 850 chapters in North America, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East. For more information about Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. visit www.zphib1920.org.