Celebrating BIPOC Mental Health Month

As we observe BIPOC Mental Health Month, we want to highlight organizations that we have partnered with to support the mental health of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. We’re dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by these communities through culturally sensitive and inclusive programs.

Asian Youth Center: MANTIS Project

One of the initiatives supported by The MolinaCares Accord (MolinaCares) is the MANTIS (Mental Wellbeing Approaches – Integrative and Traditional Chinese Medicine Igniting Self-Efficacy) project for Chinese American youths in the San Gabriel Valley. This project aims to tackle the mental health disparities faced by Asian Americans, particularly exacerbated by the rise of anti-Asian racism during the COVID-19 pandemic. The MANTIS Project implements a 10-lesson mental health curriculum grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Integrative Health principles. This curriculum is designed for elementary and middle school students ages 5-13 participating in the after-school program at three schools in the San Gabriel Unified School District.

SAAHAS For Cause: Spill the Chai Ma

Another innovative program supported by MolinaCares is Spill the Chai Ma, which addresses postpartum depression (PPD) among South Asian mothers in Los Angeles. This 12-month program combines expressive art therapy, communal chai sessions, and peer support groups to provide culturally sensitive mental health support. Partnering with SAAHAS for Cause, Spill the Chai Ma aims to enroll 100 mothers in a transformative journey towards improved maternal mental health. The program offers bi-weekly sessions featuring activities like henna, clay molding, and painting, facilitated by experienced artists and trained staff. Participants engage in art therapy while enjoying chai, fostering a supportive environment to discuss postpartum depression openly.

Many Mothers: Mindfulness & Perinatal Stress Support

MolinaCares also supports Many Mothers’ Mindfulness and Perinatal Stress Support Program, an initiative focused on promoting mental health among perinatal mothers through maternal peer support groups. These groups emphasize mindfulness and stress reduction tactics to address immediate mental health concerns. The program includes breath work, meditation, journaling, and other stress-reduction activities over the course of 8 weeks.

Consejo Counseling and Referral Service: Behavioral Health Resources for Latinx Community

MolinaCares is committed to improving the lives of Latinx people through the identification and support of social determinants of health and other health-related factors. Consejo Counseling and Referral Service (CCRS) implements The Daily Living Activities-20 (DLA-20) screening tool to identify behavioral health and social resource needs. This comprehensive approach allows CCRS to holistically understand an individual’s challenges and strengths and provide culturally responsive services, including referrals to health-related social needs partners who meet the unique needs of the Latinx population.