In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives declared July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Campbell, who passed away in November 2006, was an author, advocate, co-founder of NAMI Urban Los Angeles and national spokesperson, working to improve mental health education and support among individuals of diverse communities.

Millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition each year. Taking on the challenges of these conditions, health coverage and the stigma of mental illness requires all of us working together. In many communities, these problems are further complicated by less access to care, cultural stigma and lower quality care.

NAMI’s You Are Not Alone campaign features the lived experience of people affected by mental illness to fight stigma, inspire others and educate the broader public. Now more than ever, the mental health community must come together and show that no one is ever really alone.

The NAMI website provides information on Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Month Awareness Month and additional resources to raise awareness and make lasting change that will improve the entire mental health system, particularly for marginalized communities.