Governor Stein Proclaims Minority Mental Health Month

Minority Mental Health Month

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, mental health is an essential part of overall health and well-being, and every North Carolinian deserves access to compassionate, culturally responsive, and high-quality mental health care and support; and 

Whereas, the U.S. Congress formally recognized trailblazing mental health advocate and author Bebe Moore Campbell in 2008 by passing a bipartisan resolution that designated July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month; and 

Whereas, the 2024 North Carolina Health Disparities Analysis Report identifies mental and behavioral health disparities as a critical area for action and highlights ongoing inequities in access to care and crisis services and in behavioral health outcomes among Black and Hispanic residents, underscoring the need for culturally responsive prevention, treatment, and recovery supports; and

Whereas, North Carolina is committed to advancing whole-person health by investing in behavioral health services, strengthening the crisis response system, supporting peer and community-based care, and improving access to equitable mental health services in all communities; and 

Whereas, trusted community organizations, faith leaders, advocates, families, and individuals with mental health struggles play vital roles in reducing stigma, encouraging help-seeking, and supporting healing and resilience in communities throughout North Carolina; and

Whereas, increasing awareness and encouraging open conversations about mental health can help ensure that all North Carolinians feel empowered to seek care when needed;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim July 2026 as “Minority Mental Health Month” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-third day of June in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.