Dr. Airica Steed, a renowned advocate for mental health equity and a leading voice in community-based mental health services believes that “jails have become the de facto mental health institutions in many underserved communities.” This stark reality highlights a systemic failure to address mental health needs, leading to a cycle of incarceration that disproportionately affects marginalized populations.
Dr. Steed emphasizes shifting from a reactive, crisis-driven approach to a proactive, community-based model that prioritizes prevention and early intervention. “We need to invest in upstream solutions that address the root causes of mental health disparities,” she explains. This means tackling issues like poverty, lack of access to education and employment opportunities, and exposure to trauma.”
Understanding the Complexities
Underserved communities face a multitude of challenges that contribute to poor mental health outcomes. These include:
- Socioeconomic Disadvantage: Poverty, unemployment, and lack of affordable housing create chronic stress that can significantly impact mental well-being.
- Limited Access to Care: Many underserved communities lack access to quality mental health services due to a shortage of providers, cultural stigma, and financial barriers.
- Historical Trauma: Systemic racism and discrimination have led to intergenerational trauma that manifests in higher rates of mental health disorders.
- Criminalization of Mental Illness: Instead of receiving appropriate treatment, individuals with mental health issues often end up entangled in the criminal justice system.
Breaking the Cycle: Community-Based Solutions
Dr. Steed advocates for a multi-pronged approach that empowers communities to address mental health needs from within:
- Culturally Competent Care: Mental health services must be culturally sensitive and responsive to the unique needs of diverse communities. This includes providing services in multiple languages and incorporating traditional healing practices.
- Community Health Workers: Training community members to provide mental health support can bridge the gap in access to care and build trust within communities.
- Early Intervention Programs: Investing in early childhood mental health programs can help prevent more serious issues from developing later in life.
- Peer Support Networks: Creating spaces where individuals with lived experience can share their stories and support each other can be incredibly empowering.
- Diversion Programs: diverting individuals with mental health issues away from the criminal justice system and into treatment programs can reduce recidivism and improve outcomes.
Investing in Prevention
Dr. Steed stresses the importance of investing in preventive measures that address the social determinants of mental health. This includes:
- Affordable Housing: Stable housing is crucial for mental wellbeing.
- Economic Opportunity: Access to quality education and employment opportunities can empower individuals and reduce financial stress.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Recognizing the impact of trauma and providing trauma-informed services across all sectors can help prevent and address mental health challenges.
Collaboration is Key
Addressing mental health in underserved communities requires a collaborative effort. Dr. Steed emphasizes the importance of partnerships between community organizations, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and policymakers. “We need to break down silos and work together to create a system that supports the wellbeing of all community members,” she says.
Changing the Narrative
Stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking mental health help. Dr. Steed advocates for public awareness campaigns that challenge negative stereotypes and promote mental health literacy. “We need to normalize conversations about mental health and create a culture where people feel comfortable seeking help,” she says.
A Call to Action
Dr. Steed’s work is a call to action for all of us to prioritize mental health equity. By investing in community-based solutions and addressing the root causes of mental health disparities, we can create a more just and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Dr. Airica Steed
Dr. Steed is a vastly accomplished and award-winning healthcare executive with over 20 years of exceptional leadership experience and a proven track record of driving results, including recognition as Modern Healthcare’s “Top Women Leade,”, “100 Most Influential People”, “Top 25 Minority Leaders”, “Top 25 Innovators”; Diversity MBA Magazine “Top 100 Executive Leaders under 50”; and Becker’s Healthcare “Women CEOs of Hospitals & Health Systems to Know” and “Black Healthcare Leaders to Kn.””. Dr. Steed is recognized as a strategic and visionary change leader, transformational architect, and expert in Lean Six Sigma, Malcolm Baldrige Framework, and “Big 4” management consulting across the industry.
