Health Equity

RS3 - The Economic Burden of Mental Health Inequities in the United States

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM CT

Location: 100/101, Level 1, ACCC

Workshop Presenter(s)

CA

Christian M. Amador, MBA, MSc (he/him/his)

Assistant Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, School of Global Health
Meharry Medical College
Nashville, Tennessee
DeJuan White, MD

Medical Director Psychiatric Emergency Service
Grady Memorial Hospital
Atlanta, Georgia

This study aims to close an important gap in behavioral health and health equity research relative to mental health inequities. While previous studies have attempted to highlight how health disparities affect economic, health, and lifespan outcomes for indigenous populations and racial and ethnic minoritized groups, none have specifically analyzed the economic burden of mental and behavioral health inequities. This report aims to close an important gap in behavioral health and health equity research relative to mental health inequities.

Learning Objectives:

To demonstrate the relationship between economic status, mental health status, and racial and ethnic status.
Identify solutions across 3 domains: (1) long term and sustainable investment in mental health, (2) adoption of culturally centered care, (3) addressing both political and social determinants of health
Inform conclusions on how policies and programs affect equitable access to care for indigenous, racial and ethnic minoritized populations in the US with the goal of improving outcomes for all.