Why Mental Health Awareness Month Matters

Every May, millions across the country recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, but the urgency behind this month is more than symbolic—it’s vital. What began as a national initiative in 1949 continues today as a powerful reminder that our emotional and psychological well-being is just as important as our physical health. At The 1937 Foundation, we believe that true healing, especially in communities disproportionately impacted by systemic oppression, starts with access to mental health education, resources, and safe spaces to heal.

In this blog, we’ll explore the origins of Mental Health Awareness Month, why it still matters today, and how The 1937 Foundation amplifies its message year-round through our core values, public events, and community-driven advocacy in the Chicago area.

The Origins of Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month was first established in 1949 by Mental Health America (formerly the National Association for Mental Health). The goal was simple but groundbreaking for the time: educate the public about mental illness and reduce the shame and stigma surrounding it.

Over the decades, the campaign has expanded to highlight a broader range of issues—like the lack of access to care, the mental health impacts of poverty and discrimination, and the importance of early intervention. Today, it stands as a national call to action, encouraging individuals, families, organizations, and governments to support the mental well-being of all people.

Yet, despite decades of progress, Black and Brown communities continue to face disproportionate barriers to mental health care. These include misdiagnosis, over-policing of trauma responses, lack of culturally competent therapists, and ongoing economic hardship. This is where The 1937 Foundation steps in.

Why Mental Health Awareness Still Matters in 2025

In a world still reeling from the psychological toll of a global pandemic, racial injustice, mass incarceration, and economic uncertainty, mental health awareness is more important than ever. Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders remain widespread. But these often go untreated due to social stigma, financial obstacles, or limited access to quality care.

Here’s why Mental Health Awareness still matters:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults lives with a mental illness each year.

• Black adults are 20% more likely to experience serious psychological distress than white adults.

• Latinx adults are more likely to report poor communication with healthcare providers, which directly affects treatment outcomes.

• Only one in three Black or African American adults who need mental health care receive it.

These disparities aren’t accidental. They are the result of decades of underinvestment, discrimination, and generational trauma. This is especially true in communities historically criminalized for simply surviving.

The 1937 Foundation: Healing Through Health, Wealth, and Knowledge

At The 1937 Foundation, we don't just believe in awareness—we believe in action. Our mission to bring health, wealth, and knowledge to communities most impacted by the War on Drugs is deeply rooted in a commitment to mental wellness. We understand that mental health is not a separate issue—it is intertwined with economic inequality, housing instability, systemic racism, and generational trauma.

Our programs and partnerships directly echo the intention behind Mental Health Awareness Month:

• Health: We work to normalize conversations around trauma, anxiety, and depression through public education and wellness resources.

• Wealth: We believe economic stability supports mental stability. That’s why we connect community members with expungement clinics, workforce training, and cannabis equity programs.

• Knowledge: Through storytelling, content, and on-the-ground events, we inform our community about how mental health intersects with justice, access, and survival.

We host panels, fundraisers, healing circles, and educational events throughout the Chicago area—all rooted in reclaiming power and wellness for the people who deserve it most.

Join Us for Mental Health Awareness Month in Chicago

This May, we invite you to show up and speak out. Whether it’s attending one of our local events, volunteering your time, or amplifying our message online, you can help break the silence surrounding mental health.

Here are a few ways to take action:

• Attend a healing circle or workshop hosted by The 1937 Foundation

• Donate to support our mental health and community equity programming

• Follow us on social media and share resources using the hashtag #MentalHealthAwareness

• Bring a friend to one of our upcoming pop-ups or public panels in Chicago

Every voice matters. Every step forward counts. Mental health is not a privilege—it’s a human right.

The Fight Continues After May

Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder each year…but the healing doesn’t end in May. The work to destigmatize mental illness, expand access to care, and address the root causes of emotional suffering continues 365 days a year.

At The 1937 Foundation, we remain committed to creating pathways for community-led healing long after the hashtags fade. We believe in empowering individuals with the tools, support, and confidence to care for their minds and bodies. This commitment drives every event we host, every blog we write, and every partnership we build.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Mental Health Awareness is more than a campaign—it’s a lifeline. For far too many, silence equals suffering. This May, let’s keep the conversation going, not just with words but with action. Let’s fight for a world where care is accessible, trauma is acknowledged, and healing is communal.

The 1937 Foundation invites you to be part of that fight.

Come out to one of our Chicago-area events. Support mental wellness in your community. And join our mission to bring health, wealth, and knowledge to those who need it most. Join The Movement to get exclusive updates on new events, education, and involvement opportunities.