Mental Health Partners: Celebrating Juneteenth and PRIDE
Mental Health Partners (MHP) honors and celebrates the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities through recognition of Juneteenth on June 19th and PRIDE month. Juneteenth, also referred to as “Emancipation Day,” commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States and PRIDE month commemorating the Stonewall riots, are often celebrated with parades, street fairs, music, performances, rallies, and festivals.
In addition to celebrating these communities’ distinct and rich cultures and histories and supporting progress towards equity and inclusion, MHP also recognizes our Black and LGBTQIA+ communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by depression, stress, and other behavioral health issues due to increased stigma and other systemic issues.
As a nonprofit, community-focused organization, MHP is concerned by the knowledge two communities it cares deeply for remain disproportionately impacted by these systemic issues. In response, MHP will continue to support access to critical healthcare services for our Black and LGBTQIA+ community members and add our voice to the collective opposing this discrimination as a sign of strength, unity, compassion, and empathy.
We are heartened to see joyous celebrations and increased recognition, including the designation of Juneteenth as a national holiday, for these important events. Throughout the month, MHP staff will be participating in various Juneteenth and PRIDE celebrations. MHP also honors its staff members, and others, who identify as part of these communities and have helped blaze trails and stood up for human rights.
Wishing everyone a Happy Juneteenth and PRIDE!