In July, we recognize National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and Disability Pride Month. At Eddy House, we are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone, including youth from minority backgrounds and those with disabilities. 

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion 

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month helps us focus on the unique mental health challenges that people in minority communities face. These challenges can include discrimination and cultural stigmas that make it harder for them to get the mental health care they need. 

Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and strength of the disabled community. It’s also about recognizing the ongoing fight for equal rights and inclusion. 

At Eddy House, we understand that minority and disabled youth face additional obstacles to the ones all youth face in our community. Of the 511 clients we served in 2023, over 50% were not white. Of the 301 new clients we served in 2023, 54% had a physical, mental, or developmental disability. We are committed to providing a safe space where any young person from any background can find the support they need to succeed. 

Our Commitment to Minority Mental Health 

We offer care that respects and understands the diverse backgrounds of our clients. This includes: 

Mental Health Support:

Our team provides mental health services that are sensitive to cultural differences. We offer individual counseling and support groups tailored to the unique needs of minority youth. In 2023, specially trained mental health professionals provided 1,020 counseling sessions to youth at Eddy House. We aim to ensure that minority youth feel understood and supported through staff training and continued education in diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Education and Awareness: With our community partners, we work to increase awareness about mental health in minority communities. By educating our clients and the broader community, we strive to reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations about mental health. Our community partners, including Our Center and Nevada Urban Indians, provide local resources for minority individuals. And behavioral health interns from the University of Nevada, Reno host workshops and seminars on mental health topics relevant to minority communities. 

Supporting Disabled Youth 

Creating an inclusive environment for disabled youth is central to our mission. We focus on: 

Accessibility: We ensure our facilities and programs are accessible to everyone. We’re continuously improving our infrastructure to meet the diverse needs of our community. 

Empowerment: We empower disabled youth by providing resources, skills training, and advocacy support through community partnerships. We work closely with organizations like Northern Nevada Hopes, Community Health Alliance, and Reno Behavioral Health to ensure that clients with disabilities have the support they need. Our goal is to help them build confidence, independence, and pride in their identity. 

Building a Brighter Future Together 

At Eddy House, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive in an environment that respects their unique identity and experiences. This July, as we honor National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and Disability Pride Month, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting minority and disabled youth in Northern Nevada. 

We invite you to join us in our mission. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community where all young people can flourish. 

Thank you for supporting the Eddy House mission. Let’s continue to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion for a brighter future. 

Please share this blog post on your social media platforms and website to spread the word about our commitment to supporting minority and disabled youth. Together, we can make a difference! 

Contact Us 

If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please reach out. We are here to help. 

Stay connected with Eddy House on our social media channels for updates, resources, and more.