(PS6-63) Bridging the Gap: A Community-Engaged, Mixed-Methods Study on Mental Health Support for Historically Underrepresented Adults.

Abstract Text:

Introduction: Across the country, areas with disproportionately fewer mental health care providers are designated as Health Provider Shortage Areas (HPSA). Many of these areas have larger communities of Black and Brown individuals. Racial minorities are generally less likely to access mental health services, and the likelihood only decreases within HPSAs. In HPSAs and other underserved areas, researchers must partner with community stakeholders to develop more relevant, accessible, and effective interventions.

Methods: This poster will review the literature to identify factors that contribute to mental health disparities in Black Americans, as well as the benefits of community-based research. This review will be used to demonstrate the utility of community-based research designs when targeting mental health disparities.

Results: By reviewing factors that contribute to disparities and discussing community-based solutions, this poster will serve as a resource for research teams hoping to work with community partners to improve the accessibility of mental health services. It will also provide an example of a research design that utilizes community-based techniques to address mental health disparities in Flint, Michigan.

Discussion: In underserved areas, it is important to work with vulnerable communities to improve mental health support options. Our hope is that this poster demonstrates the strengths of a community-partnered research study, as well as provides a concrete example of how community-based research can improve the accessibility of mental health care in an HPSA.