This July, we want to take time to mark National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the Office of Minority Health, the lack of access to quality care that burdens minorities does not stop with physical health. It affects mental health resources as well. We invite you to think about this issue throughout the month and to take steps towards improving your mental health and looking out for the people in your life. Not everyone has access to the resources they need, but being a good friend, family member, or neighbor can still make a difference in your community. 

Strong mental health is a big part of being able to take preventative action against other health issues, including vascular diseases and common conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. When you have better mental health, it is more manageable to eat a healthy diet, get enough exercise, and practice other forms of prevention like getting enough sleep, meditating, and reducing stress. 

Most people will struggle with their mental health at some point - whether it’s for a short period of time or in the long term. Minorities are more likely to face certain stressors and risk factors, which can impact their mental health and also lead to other health issues. That’s why it’s important to take specific steps to address and improve mental health within minority populations. To learn more about what mental health awareness and improvement look like, check out the Office of Minority Health’s reading list. 

It may not seem like it, but taking care of your mental health is important when you’re addressing vascular health problems. One of our Patient Partners, Mechket, writes about how she received her CLTI diagnosis and struggled with the new reality of her disease. Her feelings helped spur her into action! 

“I felt guilty and horrified that I had let my health deteriorate. These are powerful emotions that can lead to change.”

Read her story here.

Vascular Cures’ Patients are Partners program is looking for patients or caregivers with lived experience of vascular disease. 

We’re getting close to Peripheral Artery Disease awareness month, which is happening in September. If you are interested in sharing your story about living with PAD, you could be eligible for an engagement opportunity with one of our partners. 

We partner with you according to your schedule, and opportunities are paid. Join us in improving vascular care and research for all! For more information, visit https://www.vascularcures.org/our-programs/patients-are-partners or email patients@vascularcures.org.