Originally developed by Bebe Moore Campbell and deemed Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, BIPOC Mental Health Month was nationally recognized as early as 2008. The month has been a time to highlight and normalize the experience of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)/Minoritized People and mental health.
The Center on PBIS seeks to “improve social, emotional, academic, and behavioral outcomes for all students. Its work is rooted in prevention, centered in equity, based on human-centered science, and only implemented through collaborative partnerships with students, families, educators, and their extended communities (Center on PBIS | About).” To align with the center’s values and actions, this month, with a specific focus on minoritized people, is a time where the center can demonstrate ways to serve as a resource to educational communities serving a variety of learners.
Meaningful participation of every partner in creating learning environments that are safe, equitable, and positive is a part of improving mental wellness opportunities in schools. Please see the following resources to support your efforts in highlighting BIPOC Mental Health Month and for the months to come.
Equitable Classroom Acknowledgment Systems
The Way Forward: Using the ISF Process to Ensure Equity in Mental Health in Schools
Teaming to Increase Meaningful Participation of Students & Families
Join us on October 9, 10 & 11, 2024 for the National PBIS Leadership Forum, where you will find sessions dedicated to mental health, equity and belonging, and ways to reduce exclusionary discipline that impacts student wellbeing.
