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Defending Mental Health Equity in a Time of Retreat

6 days ago4 min read



Across the country, we’ve witnessed a troubling shift away from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. At Homeless Children’s Network (HCN), we know that DEI, along with a deep sense of belonging, is not just a box to check; it is the foundation of our culturally rooted approach to mental health and community healing. Now, more than ever, we remain committed to fostering spaces where every individual is seen, heard, and supported. 



The rollback of DEI initiatives is not just a political maneuver, it has real and devastating consequences for communities already facing systemic barriers to care. As Dr. Richard Besser, President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, stated in response to recent executive orders gutting DEI policies, “These measures drive us farther away from a future when health is no longer a privilege, but a right for all. (1)” At HCN, we know that mental health equity is inseparable from this fight. When access to culturally competent care is stripped away, when representation in the mental health workforce is ignored, and when policies deliberately exclude the most vulnerable, lives are at stake.


As mental health needs soar, communities of color, low-income families, and LGBTQIA+ individuals continue to face disproportionate barriers to care. Systemic racism, biases, economic hardship, and cultural stigmas make accessing quality mental health support nearly impossible for many. Yet, instead of investing in solutions, we see a retreat from DEI-centered efforts. This is where we step in. 


Our programs are designed to break down the barriers that keep historically excluded communities from the care they deserve. Through culturally affirming, trauma-informed mental health services, we ensure that healing is not a privilege for the few but a right for all. For Black youth and families, the trauma of systemic racism is real, and so is the need for spaces of belonging and healing. That’s why we created the Ma’at Program, where Black therapists work with Black children, youth, and families to provide mental health support that reflects their lived experiences. In our 2023-2034 evaluation report of Ma’at and its participants, we found that 100% of caregivers valued the fact that the therapist matched the cultural background of their child. (2).  In that same report, 91% of caregivers reported that the support they received from Ma’at has helped them connect better with their child. (3). Similarly, our Entre Nosotros program offers culturally and linguistically aligned care for Latine children and parents, ensuring that language is never a barrier to healing. Here, healing is rooted in culture, understanding, and a deep recognition of the impact of generational trauma.


The disparities in mental health care don’t end with access; they are embedded in the very structure of the field itself. For too long, providers have not reflected the communities they serve. Through the Amani Program, we are changing this by training and supporting mental health professionals from diverse backgrounds, because representation in care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. As one Amani participant shared, “I was curious to, you know, learn more about mental health and how to help people, especially within the Black community. I'm a health worker. I work for City and County. I wasn't doing that before I was in the Amani program, but I was able to secure that position, being in the Amani program, just learning more about mental health, being around like-minded people. The whole experience was great. (4 )”  Their story is just one example of how investing in community-rooted training doesn’t just change careers, it also transforms lives and expands access to culturally competent care. 



At a time when DEI efforts are under attack, philanthropy must step up. Black-led organizations like our own are doing the work that others are pulling away from, ensuring that mental health care is inclusive, accessible, and rooted in justice. But we cannot do this alone. Historically, Black-led nonprofits receive significantly less funding than white-led organizations, despite being on the frontlines of racial and economic justice work. (5).  That disparity is not just a funding gap, it is a direct barrier to lifesaving care for the communities that need it most. Philanthropy must be more than performative allyship; it must be a commitment to sustained, transformative change. Investing in Black-led mental health initiatives means investing in a future where DEI isn’t a political talking point, it is a lived reality.


We will continue to push forward, to serve our communities with love and resilience, and to ensure that every child, family, and individual has access to the mental health support they deserve. Will you join us in action to build a future where healing, dignity, and equity are realities for all? 





Sources: 

1: Besser, Dr. Richard. “Statement From Dr. Richard Besser Condemning Executive Order Backsliding on DEI and Health.” rwjf.org, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 23 January 2025, https://www.rwjf.org/en/about-rwjf/newsroom/2025/01/rwjf-statement-condemning-executive-order-backsliding-on-dei-and-health.html?channelid=xli&cid=11003495. 

4: HCN Evaluation  Amani Mental Health Training Report. https://www.hcnkids.org/_files/ugd/fc0618_36c05ce270e84a0992c43a124d48a3f4.pdf 

5:  Nonprofit Finance Fund. “2022 Survey: A Focus on Racial Equity.” NFF.org, Nonprofit Finance Fund, 2022, https://nff.org/2022-survey-focus-racial-equity. 




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