Q&A with Actress Jenifer Lewis
For Black History Month, we feature a leading African American advocate for mental health awareness. In a Q&A with Pacific Clinics, our Champion of Mental Health Jenifer Lewis shares her hope story and discusses her journey with bipolar disorder as revealed in her bestselling memoir, The Mother of Black Hollywood.
African American Pioneers in Mental Health
For decades, African Americans have contributed to improving mental health through research, education, public health initiatives, advocacy, creating new treatment methods and developing culturally relevant services and programs.
Recognizing Dr. Mamie Clark 
As one of the first African American psychologists to graduate from Columbia, Dr. Mamie Clark’s many contributions in childhood development and social science research helped overturn school segregation and develop culturally sensitive programs for children. Learn more about her impact. READ ARTICLE
Inclusion and Advancement in Education
In a Q&A with La Shon Tillie-Jones, site director of Pacific Clinics’ Head Start Nesbitt Center, she talks about the importance of providing programs that support advancement and self-sufficiency. READ ARTICLE
Stigma in the African American Community
Mental illness has no boundaries. It impacts people across culture, gender, age and economic status.
The impact of mental illness, if left untreated, can disrupt every aspect of a person’s life, including their physical health.
There are 6.8 million African Americans in the U.S. and 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental health issue over their lifetime. Many people struggle alone because of stigma.
African Americans access mental health services at about one-half the rate* of Caucasian Americans.
Only 10.3% of black women and 6.6% of black men seek help.
Mental Health App
The Safe Place is a mental health app geared towards the African American community to bring more awareness, education and acceptance of various mental illnesses. The app can also be used as a learning tool for mental health professionals to be culturally sensitive.
* SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2008-2012
