MHP Honors Pride Month, Juneteenth By Supporting Progress on Equity and Inclusion
First, we’d like to recognize and acknowledge the significance of this day for our black communities. This past month has been marked with powerful conversations and actions related to equity, inclusion, and systematic racism. We continue to honor and respect this dialogue and progress, while also acknowledging the recent incidents can create stress and anxiety in some individuals
To support our staff during these times of change, we, along with HR, will be hosting two special internal Listening Sessions in the coming weeks. The goal is to offer a safe space to discuss the topics of diversity, equity and inclusion and learn more about MHP’s next steps in our commitment to long-term organizational improvements to be more responsive to our employees, communities and clients of color. Additionally, MHP’s leadership is also continuing their work with Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler from The Equity Project to create a roadmap to organizational development in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Additionally, we want to take a moment to honor another group who has also experienced the slow wheel of change when it comes to equity and inclusion: LGBTQIA+ individuals. June is PRIDE Month, a time to celebrate increased visibility, self-affirmation, dignity, and equity for LGBTQIA+ individuals. This month, we celebrate the richness and diversity of this community and applaud the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision protecting LGBTQIA+ individuals from discrimination in employment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This is a resounding victory for the LGBTQIA+ community!
Though PRIDE celebrations may look a little different this year due to COVID-19 social distancing, we are heartened to see our communities hosting various virtual celebrations throughout the month. Our Community Health Workers team, along with other staff, are joining these virtual celebrations – we hope to see our fellow community partners and members there, as well.
As the nation continues its ongoing dialogue and progress on these topics, we are hopeful the result will be systemic and long-lasting change. Until this is our reality, we want to remind everyone – especially persons of color and LGBTQIA+ communities who have historically been underserved when it comes to accessing mental health care – immediate mental health services are available through our 24/7 Walk-in Crisis Center & Addiction Services: call 1-844-493-TALK, text TALK to 38255 or walk-in at 3180 Airport Road, Boulder CO. This center offers confidential, in-person support, information, and referrals and can be a calm place in midst of the current storm.
We wish everyone a Happy Pride and Juneteenth!
Warmly,
–Jen and Dixie