National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed each July. It is designed to bring awareness to the unique struggles of racial and ethnic minority communities regarding mental illness in the United States.

According to the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH), racial and ethnic minorities often suffer from poor mental health outcomes due to the cultural stigma and lack of access to mental health care services. This mental health inequity is exacerbating the problem. And the OMH says the pandemic has made it even harder for these groups to get access to mental health and substance abuse treatment services.

And now, a recent study by The Hartford and the National Alliance on Mental Illness shows barriers to mental health resources still exist in many U.S. companies. A survey earlier this year from The Hartford found that 71% of employers feel the deteriorating mental health of their workforce is having a negative financial impact on their company. The follow-up study, conducted in May and June of this year, dove even deeper into the reasons why mental health continues to be a new focus for companies.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the study and from the American Psychiatric Association data:

The OMH encourages state, tribal, and local leaders, community-based organizations, faith leaders, healthcare providers and individuals to educate their communities regarding mental health stigma. Visit the OMH site for additional resources and information.