Indianapolis launches behavioral health cultural equity grants

Indianapolis is rolling out behavioral health grants to improve cultural equity for Haitian and Burmese communities. This initiative seeks to address and reduce disparities in mental health services, ensuring that these communities receive the support they need to thrive. The announcement was made by the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS), Mental Health America of Indianapolis (MHAI) and community leaders from the Haitian and Burmese populations. “Through this pilot, we are ensuring that someone will always be there for (those in need). Someone who not only understands their struggle, but also understands them, their language and their culture,” said Martine Romy Bernard-Tucker, director of OPHS. According to Bernard-Tucker, the program will begin in the smaller Burmese and Haitian communities in Indianapolis and is designed to ensure equality in mental health treatment. The Burmese and Haitian local associations will hold public forums and recruit 10 individuals to be trained by MHAI to become certified peer recovery coaches. By bridging the cultural and language gap, Bernard-Tucker hopes the stigma of mental health will be reduced in these cultures. “In every culture, the concept of togetherness is present and important,” Bernard-Tucker said. “The Burmese flag’s colors represent solidarity and unity. The Haitian...