The APA Foundation has awarded LifeAct with the 2021 Award for Advancing Minority Health

LifeAct is awarded the APA Foundation’s prestigious award for Advancing Minority Mental Health due to its longstanding work in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

LifeAct is honored to share that the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APA Foundation) recently named LifeAct as the 2021 recipient of the Award for Advancing Minority Mental Health for their work in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. For 20 years, LifeAct has been providing lifesaving depression awareness and suicide prevention education to the CMSD at no charge, helping to shine a light on the importance of mental health, while breaking down stigmas associated around mental health. LifeAct’s programs are offered at no charge to schools so that there is never an economic barrier to adolescents and teens learning about their mental health.

“LifeAct was established nearly 30 years ago with the goal to prevent youth suicide in our communities. We remain steadfast in our desire to ensure that every child, at every school, can become empowered to take charge of their mental health, while providing resources and tools for adolescents and teens to receive help for themselves or others.”, says Jack Binder, CEO of LifeAct.

With the month of July serving as BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, and the increased focus surrounding the mental health effects of COVID-19, the conversation around minority mental health has never been more pertinent, making this award incredibly special to the entire staff and volunteers that dedicate their time to LifeAct. LifeAct is only the second recipient of this prestigious award in the state of Ohio, and the first since 2006.

Since being established in 2003, the Award for Advancing Minority Mental Health has recognized community-based organizations that have undertaken innovative and supportive efforts to raise awareness of mental health in underserved populations including the need for early recognition, access to quality care and overcoming cultural barriers. LifeAct will formally receive the award on July 17thduring the APA Foundations national conference.

To learn more or for intersectional mental health resources please visit www.lifeact.org/qtbipoc