During the month of June, we celebrate several awareness events, including Juneteenth, Pride Month, PTSD Awareness Month, and Men's Health Month. In 1970, New York City held its first Pride march, one year after the Stonewall Uprising. Since then, we recognize June as Pride Month, to promote the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. The month of June is also recognized as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Awareness month, to bring attention to a mental health condition that affects 7 to 8 out of every 100 people who have experienced, or witnesses, a traumatic event.

In honor of Juneteenth: Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is observed on the anniversary of June 19, 1865. It marks the date when the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas, nearly 3 years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the document. The Juneteenth holiday represents a time to commemorate the day while reflecting on the shared history and tradition.

Resources for the African American Community:

• Read more about the history of Juneteenth from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Resources for Providers:

• African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence is working to transform behavioral health services for African Americans through collaboration, training, and technical assistance.

• Racial Equity and Cultural Diversity products and resources from across the MHTTC Network.

In celebration of Pride Month: The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning Plus (LGBTQ+*) community represents a diverse range of identities and expressions of gender and sexual orientation. While belonging to the LGBTQ+ community can be a source of strength it also brings unique challenges that can impact one's mental health. Recent research suggests that members of the LGBTQ+ community may be twice as likely to experience a mental health condition compared to heterosexual adults. Similarly, transgender individuals, compared with cisgender individuals, may be four times more likely to experience a mental health condition.

Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

• National Center for Transgender Equality

• LGBT National Hotline and LGBT National Youth Talk-line Resources for Providers

• Check out events and resources sponsored by the MHTTC Network.

• Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity offers providers resources to improve services for LGBTQ+ people in their care.

• SAMHSA's LGBT Training Curricula for Behavioral Health and Primary Care Practitioners provides training for providers looking to care for the LGBTQ+ population.

In recognition of PTSD Awareness Month: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects about 12 million adults every year. Many associate this condition with the experiences of soldiers but it affects many more Americans who have witnessed or experienced life-threatening and/or traumatic events. June 27th is recognized as PTSD Screening Day. 

Resources for the Community:

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD provides information on PTSD in veterans and ways to locate a mental health provider.

• Veterans Crisis Line is a confidential resource available to veterans and military families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Resources for Providers

• National Institute of Mental Health provides an overview of PTSD symptoms, risk factors and treatments.

• SAMHSA's National Center for Trauma Informed Care provides information on shifting to a trauma-informed paradigm, including available interventions and referral resources.