CA ACR150

Recognizes each second week of February as African American Mental Health Awareness Week in California

Acknowledges that African Americans report 30 percent more serious psychological distress than Whites but receive treatment for depression at lower rates

Notes that suicide rates among African American youth ages 10-14 increased 233 percent between 1980-1995, compared to 120 percent for White youth

Highlights that African Americans represent only 2 percent of psychiatrists, 2 percent of psychologists, and 4 percent of social workers in the United States

Recognizes the African American Mental Health Coalition's efforts to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and improve access to mental health services in African American communities