WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina has a genuine interest in promoting and encouraging not just the physical health but the mental health of all its residents; and
WHEREAS, as of 2019 in the United States, suicide was the second leading cause of death for African Americans ages 15-24; and
WHEREAS, the death rate from suicide for African American men nationwide was four times greater than for African American women, in 2018; and
WHEREAS, less than 10% of African Americans have received mental health services and only 6.5% of African Americans have received prescription medication for mental health issues; and
WHEREAS, Hispanics were 50% less likely to have received mental health treatment as compared to non-Hispanic whites; and
WHEREAS, the Covid-19 pandemic has both exacerbated and highlighted the need for mental health care, particularly in minority communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim July, 2022, as “MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.