NAMI Partners with Jack and Jill of America, Inc. to Strengthen the African American Family

Apr 25, 2017

Mental health issues are prevalent in our society, and their causes are as diverse as the people affected by them. But if we focus on the African American community, the facts are far more disconcerting: African Americans used mental health services at about half the rate of Caucasian Americans in the past year. African Americans are also less likely to seek help for many reasons—including lack of information, stigma, cultural biases, religious beliefs and lack of cultural competence in mental health care.

These truths reflect people we know and love—in our families, communities and organizations. However, there is hope, because treatment is effective and recovery is real.        

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is honored to partner with NAMI because together, we want to promote mental health awareness in the African American community and the availability of treatment options. We believe no single organization can solve this challenge, but through our collective efforts, we have the power to make a difference.

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2-19 and is dedicated to the developing the next generation of African American leaders. As part of this mission, we are committed to our members’ (and their children’s) health—physical and mental.

It is important that we educate those within our circles of influence to develop a culture where we address mental health issues with the same sense of urgency as any other medical condition. By becoming more aware, we can educate each other and in doing so, support our families, friends and communities in getting the help they need to thrive, not merely survive.

Learn more about our partnership here.

Joli Cooper-Nelson is the National President of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., which is based in Washington, D.C.