Washington, D.C. —  In 2021 the American Psychiatric Association developed and launched the APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health Initiative, a collection of community-wide events focused on youth mental health equity through education, outreach, and advocacy 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 this summer.

Who:

Former professional football player, mental health therapist, and founder of Just Run Bro Jay Barnett, D.H.A., will serve as the 2026 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 Immediate Past President Theresa Miskimen Rivera, M.D., and APA Vice President, Diversity and Health Equity and Deputy Medical Director Regina James, M.D., are also available for interviews.

When & Where:

• APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health Roundtable Conversation "The Impact of Internet Gaming Disorder on Young People” Wednesday, July 1, 12 p.m. ET
  Zoom registration.
  Streaming online and limited in-person seating at APA headquarters, 800 Maine Ave., SW, Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20024
   
• Sixth Annual APA & APAF MOORE Equity in Mental Health 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk & Roll (in-person & remote/virtual)
  Saturday, July 11, check-in opens at 7:00 a.m., livestream program remarks on APA Instagram at 7:30 a.m., race starts promptly 8:30 a.m., and in-person winners to be announced approximately at 9:45 a.m. ET.
  Off Freedom Plaza, Washington D.C. at 14th St NW & Pennsylvania Ave NW.
  Registration options 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 about current and past grantees.

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 40,400 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.