A former Guild mental health practitioner, Marika Reese, M.Ed., LSW, is now a Guild board member and executive director of Ubuntu Cares, among many other efforts aimed at supporting community mental health and healing. She was gracious enough to talk with us about her work, how we can all address systemic barriers and gaps pervasive in our communities, and why she serves on Guild’s board. Meet Marika. What is Ubuntu Cares? Ubuntu Cares is a nonprofit organization concerned with positive social change on the grassroots and reform levels. We partner with governmental and philanthropic organizati ..read more

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the history and culture of the Latinx and Hispanic communities in the U.S. It takes place from September 15th to October 15th.  The timing is significant because September 15th aligns with the independence days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence day on September 16th, and Chile celebrates its independence on the 18th. History of Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Heritage Week was launched in 1968 and expanded into Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988. The observance was created to recognize the co ..read more

Originally designated as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in 2008, the month of July is dedicated to highlighting the unique mental health challenges and needs of historically disenfranchised or oppressed racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Research indicates that Americans who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are 20% more likely to report severe psychological distress than Caucasian Americans, yet they are: Less likely to have access to mental health services Less likely to receive needed care More likely to receive poor quality ..read more

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! AAPI Heritage Month recognizes the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to United States history.  Asian Americans are defined as individuals from Asian countries who now reside in the United States, and Pacific Islanders are defined as people from the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. History of AAPI Heritage Month The idea for AAPI Heritage Month was first proposed by a Capitol Hill staffer in the 1970s. It was officially established in 1992.  The month of May was chosen to ..read more

Native American Heritage Month celebrates the people indigenous to the United States. It was created to honor the history, culture, and traditions of the people who have called North America home for thousands of years. November was designated Native American Heritage Month in 1995. It grew from a celebratory day to a week, to its current status as a month-long celebration. Why it’s Important Native Americans have often been falsely portrayed if not completely left out of the version of American history that is taught in our country. It’s important to learn the true history, and culture, of th ..read more

Mental illness can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or any other demographic categorization. While all racial and ethnic groups experience mental illness,  people of color are less likely to receive the help they need to get better. A higher percentage of white people receive mental health treatment than most groups of people of color. People of Color *are* Less Likely to Receive Mental Health Treatment  While all communities experience mental illness, some communities are affected at higher rates, including multiracial individuals who experience mental i ..read more

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health Month was created to spread awareness of the mental health needs of communities of color and the inequality BIPOC people face in receiving mental health care. The idea for BIPOC Mental Health Month was first developed by Bebe Moore Campbell, an advocate for mental health care and education in BIPOC communities. July was officially established to commemorate it in 2006. The Importance of BIPOC Mental Health Month We raise awareness for BIPOC mental health because people of color face unique challenges in getting mental health care. BI ..read more

This Black History Month, we’re highlighting Black psychologists who have made the field of psychology what it is today.   1. Francis Cecil Sumner is known as the “Father of Black Psychology.” In 1920, he became the first Black American to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology. In 1928, he helped found the psychology department at Howard University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). He studied racial bias, inequality, and racism. Despite encountering discrimination in sharing his findings, he published several articles on his research. He taught psychology at several universities ..read more

July is Minority Mental Health Month! Especially in times of crisis, it’s important to pay attention to who is impacted the most. People of color are more likely to be impacted by the COVID-19 virus, which in turn can negatively impact mental health. The recent events surrounding police brutality, which disproportionately kills Black Americans, also have an impact on mental health. Now is a great time to celebrate and raise awareness for Minority Mental Health Month, because it’s more important today than ever. Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of and it’s something that’s important to a ..read more