INDIANAPOLIS — The latest installment in a series examining the roots of racism through a variety of lenses will be held online Wednesday.
The latest session in the United Way of Central Indiana's "Understanding the Roots of Racism" series will run from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24. WRTV is the media sponsor for the program.
Wednesday's program will examine the interconnections between mental health and racial inequality. The history of racism in mental health care will be discussed, along with ways to support the well-being, resiliency and whole health of individuals and families in central Indiana.
The program is free and participants may attend by registering online.
REGISTER | United Way of Central Indiana's "Understanding the Roots of Racism" series
The program will be moderated by Ashlee Weaver, director of community impact and basic needs at UWCI. Panelists include Veronica Derricks, assistant professor of psychology at Indiana University; Cortnei Flucas, unified students supports officer at Indianapolis Public Schools; Crystal Wade, of Healing Hearts of Indy; and Brandon Warren, found and president of We LIVE Indy.
According to information from the United Way, only one in three Black Americans who need mental health care receive it. Data shows Black patients are less likely to receive guideline-consistent care, are less frequently included in medical research, and are more likely to receive care in an emergency room than with a licensed mental health specialist.
Lack of access to care, stigma, social pressures associated with mental health, and the economic and educational inequities facing Black Americans all play a role in the relationship between race and mental health.
