Applying a racial justice lens to mental health and wellbeing
In this podcast Sana Chehimi, director of policy and advocacy for Prevention Institute, interviews Isha Weerasinghe, a senior policy analyst on the youth team at the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP). They discuss the importance of supporting mental health and wellbeing for communities of color to achieve an equitable COVID-19 recovery and as part of dismantling systems that perpetuate structural violence and racism. Isha describes how applying a racial justice lens to center lived experiences and community leadership allows CLASP to broaden the understanding of mental health and wellbeing and develop policy solutions and strategies that are otherwise overlooked.
Read more about CLASP’s work:
Behind the Asterisk*: Perspectives on Young Adult Mental Health from "Small and Hard-to-Reach" Communities
www.clasp.org/publications/repor…ef/behind-asterisk
Reconnecting, Realizing and Reimagining Justice: Advancing Economic Justice for Individuals and Communities Impacted by the Criminal Justice System
www.clasp.org/publications/repor…econnectingjustice
“Everybody Got Their Go Throughs”: Young Adults on the Frontlines of Mental Health
www.clasp.org/sites/default/file…-Mental-Health.pdf
Between the Lines: Understanding Our Country’s Racialized Response to the Opioid Overdose Epidemic
www.clasp.org/publications/repor…ed-response-opioid
Ten Core Competencies for Youth and Young Adult Centered Mental Health Systems
www.clasp.org/publications/repor…tal-health-systems
Refining Evidence-Based Practices: Expanding Our View of Evidence
www.clasp.org/publications/repor…-our-view-evidence
Unlocking Transformation and Healing: Overview of Policy Options for Accessible Youth and Young Adult Mental Health Care
www.clasp.org/publications/repor…options-accessible
Mental and Behavioral Health System Fixes During the COVID-19 Crisis, and Beyond
www.clasp.org/publications/repor…ovid-19-crisis-and
*Photo credit: Sarah Mittermaier