Enhancing Care for Black and African American Health Disparities in Rural Areas

Black and African American (B/AA) communities, especially those in rural areas, are often overlooked in discussions about improving mental health and substance use treatment services. There is a growing need for provider organizations to enhance the quality of care for B/AA individuals.

Join us on Sept. 6, 3-4 p.m. ET for a powerful roundtable discussion about the impact of social justice concerns, COVID-19 and challenges of providing care in rural communities. As we build on the discoveries from previous focus groups, this event will amplify conversations regarding workforce shortages, accessible technology and funding limitations, while highlighting solutions and provider recommendations to address these disparities.

This event is sponsored by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and the Morehouse School of Medicine’s African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence. Victor Armstrong, MSW, national director of Soul Shop for Black Churches, will moderate the discussion with panelist representatives from:

• Bootheel Counseling Services – Sikeston, Mo.
• Georgia Pines Community Service Board – Thomasville, Ga.
• NC Counts Coalition – Raleigh, N.C.

By attending the session, you will be able to:

1. Discuss the current health care disparities of B/AA populations in rural areas.
2. Increase your awareness of challenges regarding access, engagement, recruitment, retention and outcomes for mental health and substance use care providers in rural areas.
3. Identify solutions and strategies for supporting community partnerships to reduce disparities.

Funding for this initiative was made possible by grant no. 1H79FG000591 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.