For Immediate Release: Monday, June 30, 2025
In recognition of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month this July, Montgomery County’s African American Health Program (AAHP), Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) and Latino Health Initiative (LHI) are partnering to launch “Journeys Within 2025: Stories of Resilience and Mental Health.” This initiative focuses on raising awareness of the unique mental health challenges experienced by immigrant communities in Montgomery County.
Residents identifying as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), African American/Black or Hispanic/Latino are encouraged to share their immigration journeys and personal experiences by completing the form on the Microsoft Forms platform. This platform is available in multiple languages through a drop-down menu at the top of the page. Stories will be collected through Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Submitted narratives will inform a report that aims to capture both the shared and unique aspects of mental health challenges faced by immigrant communities. These stories will help guide the development of responsive and equitable behavioral health services in the County.
Montgomery County is one of the most diverse counties in the United States, where approximately 59% of residents identify as racial or ethnic minorities. According to the Montgomery Planning Research and Strategic Projects Planning Department, about 37% of residents are foreign-born. This includes individuals from AAPI, African American/Black and Hispanic/Latino backgrounds—each representing roughly one-third of the foreign-born population.
“We often talk about mental health in general terms, but we need to recognize that people’s experiences are shaped by their cultures, their histories and their journeys, including the challenges they face through immigration,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “By listening to these personal accounts, we can create mental health services that reflect the lived realities of the people who call Montgomery County home. The initiative is about dignity, inclusion and building systems that truly serve everyone.”
Throughout July, the minority health programs will host several educational and outreach activities to promote mental health awareness in immigrant communities.
- African American Health Program. Hosting a series of virtual mental health education sessions every Wednesday in July at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Topics include Minority Mental Health (7/2), Nutrition and Mental Health (7/9), Mental Health Treatment (7/16), Social Support (7/23), and the Connection between Chronic Disease and Mental Health (7/30).
- Asian American Health Initiative. Partnering with CaringMatters to host a workshop on grief navigation in Asian communities. Saturday, July 26, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 518 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg.
- Latino Health Initiative. Partnering with Identity to offer free and bilingual, non-clinical and culturally appropriate emotional support groups called “Encuentros” for adolescents and adults. To participate, contact Luisa Mariño at [email protected] or by calling 240-364-4099.
For more information about the minority health programs, which are part of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services, visit the African American Health Program, Asian American Health Initiative and Latino Health Initiative.
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Release ID: 25-266
Media Contact: Jennifer Garfinkel 240-962-1506
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
