Mental health is an important component of Canadians’ overall health. In its 2016 Advancing the Mental Health Strategy for Canada: A Framework for Action, the Mental Health Commission of Canada noted that “mental well-being is deeply impacted by social determinants of health, such as precarious housing, poverty, social exclusion, and racism.”
In particular, Black Canadians face significant social and economic challenges that have negative implications for their mental health. These challenges include experiences of interpersonal and institutional anti-Black racism and discrimination; systemic socioeconomic and other disadvantages, including lower rates of educational attainment, higher levels of poverty and social exclusion, and more frequent interactions with law enforcement, criminal justice, and child welfare systems; a lack of access to culturally appropriate and culturally competent services; and stigma related to mental health and to accessing support services.
Objectives:
- Increase understanding of the unique barriers to and social determinants of mental health for Black Canadians
- Increase knowledge of effective, culturally focused approaches and education for improving mental health and addressing its key social determinants for Black Youth, their families and community environments
- Increase capacity within Black Youth in Canadian communities to address barriers to mental health.