By: The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health
JACKSON, Miss. (July 19, 2026) —In recognition of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health (IAMH) is helping women—especially women of color—make their mental health a priority. The organization says emotional well-being is a vital part of overall health and is expanding access to community-based resources that help women thrive.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in four U.S. adults experienced a mental illness during the past year, and about 15% of adults report frequent mental distress. Women experience frequent mental distress at higher rates than men. The CDC also reports that mental health is closely connected to physical health, and depression can increase the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke
Women are often expected to be caregivers, problem-solvers and pillars of strength. As they balance the demands of work, family and community, many neglect their own emotional well-being. For women of color, the burden is often intensified by discrimination, financial pressures, caregiving responsibilities and limited access to culturally responsive mental health care. Left unaddressed, chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure, weakened immunity, sleep disorders and other long-term health conditions.
To help meet this need, IAMH recently launched the Women’s Health Empowerment Initiative, a community-centered program serving women ages 18 to 45 in Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties. The initiative provides weekly support groups, peer connections, educational workshops and referrals to behavioral health services. Participants also build coping and leadership skills while overcoming barriers such as transportation, childcare cost and stigma.
IAMH believes healing happens through connection and support. When women have access to trusted resources and practical tools to manage stress, the benefits reach far beyond the individual, strengthening children, families and entire communities. Through the Women’s Health Empowerment Initiative, participants learn to recognize the signs of emotional distress, seek professional support when needed, stay physically active, get adequate sleep, maintain healthy eating habits and develop effective stress-management strategies.
The CDC reports that 90% of the nation’s annual health care expenditures are for people living with chronic and mental health conditions, highlighting the importance of addressing physical and mental health together.
This project is supported by the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi. Since 2019, the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health has partnered with the Women’s Foundation to improve access to quality health care and support services for women across Mississippi. Through community-based programs and outreach initiatives, the partnership has expanded resources that promote women’s physical, mental and emotional well-being while helping reduce barriers to care.
For more information about the Women’s Health Empowerment Initiative or other IAMH programs, visit minority-institute.org.
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The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health was established in 2019 to reduce health disparities among disadvantaged and underserved minority populations in Mississippi through the development of collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders and the implementation of evidence-based public health interventions with a particular focus on health equity.