Open Access
American Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
ISSN (Online): 2378-7031
DOI: 10.46568/arjhss
COVID and African Americans: Addressing Disparities in Mental Health
1Assistant Dean of Administration, University of the District of Columbia
2Assistant Professor of Health Education, University of the District of Columbia 3Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Counseling, University of the District of Columbia
2Assistant Professor of Health Education, University of the District of Columbia 3Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Counseling, University of the District of Columbia
Citation: James Maiden, Phronie Jackson, Nathalie Mizelle, “COVID and African Americans: Addressing Disparities in
Mental Health ”, American Research Journal of Humanities and Social sciences, Vol 8, no. 1, 2022, pp. 26-30.
Abstract
The mental health implications stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are still to be revealed. However,
research suggests the outlook is quite concerning. The COVID-19 pandemic effect on communities of color has provided
more attention and respect to African Americans’ need for mental health care. Racism worsens the adverse impacts of
social determinants of health, causing health disparities for African Americans. This conceptual article explores COVID
19 and racism disproportionately affecting African Americans’ mental health and psychological well-being. The article
also provides recommendations for mental health professionals to offer advocacy and to combat the problem.
