At Lines for Life, our mission to prevent substance abuse and suicide is rooted in compassion, cultural responsiveness, and a deep commitment to equity. This July, we recognize BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month by reflecting on the unique mental health challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and the importance of creating spaces that honor and uplift their experiences.
Why BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month Matters
Mental health struggles affect everyone. However, access to care, community understanding, and healing pathways often create disparities. Systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, stigma, and lack of culturally responsive care contribute to disproportionate mental health challenges among BIPOC communities.
This month is about raising awareness and taking action. At Lines for Life, that means listening deeply, building relationships with BIPOC-led organizations, and tailoring our programs to meet the cultural and community needs of those we serve.
Culturally Rooted Trainings: Centering Community Voices
Lines for Life partners with organizations across Oregon to lead equity-focused mental health trainings rooted in lived experience, cultural knowledge, and community dialogue.
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training with Oregon Change Clinic
At a culturally specific IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) for BIPOC clients hosted by the Oregon Change Clinic, we trained 10 staff members in a 90-minute QPR workshop. We addressed disparities in suicide rates, dismantled common myths, and encouraged culturally specific approaches to supporting individuals experiencing suicidal ideation.
Mental Health Conversation Starter Workshop with the Urban League
With 25 members of the Urban League Portland’s Community Action Board, we used storytelling and small group dialogue to break down stigma in Black communities and examine barriers to accessing care. Participants left with actionable strategies and a shared commitment to healing together.
Be Sensitive, Be Brave (BSBB) Training at THRIVE Conference
At THRIVE, a youth-focused conference hosted by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, we facilitated a workshop for 75 attendees including 50 Native youth. Together, we created a “mental health recipe” built on protective factors and cultural strengths and talked openly about how Native communities can continue to fight stigma with courage and care.
What We’ve Learned and What We’ll Continue to Do
These trainings remind us that culturally grounded mental health work requires ongoing commitment to show up, listen, and evolve.
Krystie Holder, the THRIVE 988 Project Coordinator at Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, reflected on the THRIVE conference:
“The BSBB session was highly engaging, and we received great feedback from attendees. Many shared how much they enjoyed the topics, and Martin’s sharing of lived experiences helped make it a relatable presentation. One youth shared that ‘he made the message real and easy to connect with.'”
BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to highlight disparities, but more importantly, it’s an opportunity to uplift resilience, celebrate community wisdom, and act toward equity. We remain dedicated to ensuring all our crisis services, trainings, and community outreach efforts reflect this commitment.
Join Us in Breaking the Silence
We invite you to join us in the work of de-stigmatizing mental health across communities of color. Not just in July, but every day. Share your story. Start a conversation. Remember support is always available.
Need support right now?
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 for immediate mental health support.
- YouthLine — For youth 24 and under: Call 877-968-8491, text “teen2teen” to 839863, or chat at www.theyouthline.org.
- Alcohol & Drug Helpline — Call 800-923-4357 for substance use support.
Visit https://www.linesforlife.org/equity/ to learn about our work to create a more culturally responsive mental health and suicide prevention system.
