Funding for Quality Mental Health Care
In Forbes’ article “The Worst States for Mental Health Care 2024”, Florida ranked #4, citing cost and a shortage of mental health care agencies/facilities as primary reasons for its score. In addition, the article noted:
Florida has the fourth highest percentage of adults who have a mental health disorder and could not see a doctor due to cost;
Florida has the 12th highest percentage of adults with a mental illness who are uninsured; and
The state ranks 12th highest for the percentage of youth with private health insurance that does not cover mental or emotional problems.
In Central Florida’s Orange County, a 2023 article indicates that “60% of Orange County's 1.4 million residents don’t have adequate access to mental health and behavioral services.”
As of 2022, according to the U.S. Census, 50% of Florida’s population identified as female and 17% of the population identified as African-American. Less than 1% of Floria’s population is American Indian and Alaska-Native and as of 2019 approximately 5% of Florida’s population identified as LGBTQ+.
However, approximately 14% of African American adults in Florida are uninsured, and 20% of American Indian and Alaska-Native individuals are uninsured. Further, with recent policies that impact feelings of safety and inclusion in the state, especially for Black Americans and LGBTQ+, anxiety and depression are at an all-time high among this population.
Even for those who are insured rates of reimbursement for mental health providers is low, resulting in many providers opting out of insurance networks. Add inflation and the situation is ripe for those who need services the most having the least access.
The goal of BIQWOCMHN is to help address this need by connecting BIQWOC with quality mental health providers and minimizing funding as a barrier to care. Through our scholarship program, which is funded through grants, donations, fundraising, we aim to help BIQWOC connect with mental health providers of their choice. We also aim to support mental health providers who are creating safe and affirming spaces for BIQWOC by paying fair and reasonable rates for services.
Your tax deductible donations to BIQWOC supports our mission by:
Helping to remove financial barriers to care for BIQWOC individuals.
Supporting fair and reasonable rates for culturally affirming mental health providers.
Addressing an urgent and increased need for health care for Florida’s Black, Indigenous, and Queer Women of Color.
Supporting the training and development of culturally affirming mental health providers.
Aiding with advocating for policies that prioritize BIQWOC's mental health needs.
Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive mental health landscape in Florida, where BIQWOC have access to quality care and can thrive emotionally and mentally. Join us in making a positive impact today.