2025 Grand Marshal is Former Professional Football Player and Mental Health Therapist Jay Barnett

WHAT: In 2021 the American Psychiatric Association developed and launched the Moore Equity in Mental Health Initiative, a collection of mental health awareness and educational activities named in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, a staunch mental health advocate and award-winning author, who worked tirelessly to shed light on the mental health needs of communities of color. In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives announced July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. At APA, the celebration continues throughout the summer.

WHO: Former professional football player and mental health therapist Jay Barnett, D.H.A., will serve as Grand Marshal of the MOORE Equity in Mental Health Initiative and join APA at MOORE events. APA CEO and Medical Director Marketa Wills, M.D., M.B.A., APA President Theresa Miskimen Rivera, M.D., and APA Chief, Diversity and Health Equity and Deputy Medical Director Regina James, M.D., are also available for interview.

WHEN & WHERE:

• APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health Roundtable Conversation: “Building Support for Young Women’s Mental Well-Being”
  Tuesday, July 1, 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. ET
  Zoom registration.
  Streaming online and limited in-person seating at APA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
   
• Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Month Symposium: "Uncertain Times: Caring for Your Mental Health”
  Tuesday, July 8, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET
  Zoom registration.
  Hosted via Zoom by the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Task Force.
   
• Fifth Annual APA & APAF MOORE Equity in Mental Health 5K Run, Walk, & Roll
  Saturday, July 19, 7:30 a.m. ET
  Check-in 7:00 a.m., livestream programming on APA Instagram at ~7:30 a.m., race start 8:00 a.m. ET
  Location: Wheaton Regional Park (2000 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, Maryland 20902) and remotely from your local community.
  Free registration at RunSignUp.com/MooreEquity5K.
  Thank you to our premier sponsor, Johnson & Johnson.
  Funds raised benefit the APA and APA Foundation MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program which supports nonprofit organizations improving the mental health of young people. Learn more.
   
• APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health Roundtable Conversation: "Mind the Gap: Overcoming Mental Health Stigma by Bridging the Divide Between Generations”
  Thursday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. ET
  Zoom registration.
   
• APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health Podcast: “Breaking the Silence: Addressing Youth Suicide”
  This limited podcast series, premiering on APA’s “Medical Mind” in July, will delve into the alarming research on youth suicide highlighting the unique vulnerabilities and systemic barriers adolescents face, through storytelling, expert insights, and practical guidance.

Contact: Members of the press are welcome to cover all these events. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 39,200 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.