The Importance of Dr. Medlock’s Book Racism and Psychiatry
Did you know that Dr. Morgan Medlock is a published author? Dr. Medlock wrote the book Racism and Psychiatry: Contemporary Issues and Interventions with Derri Shtasel (Editor), Ni-Ha T. Trinh (Editor), David R. Williams (Editor).
The book "Racism and Psychiatry: Contemporary Issues and Interventions" was important because it shed light on the significant impact of racism on mental health outcomes for People of Color in the United States. The book explored the ways in which racism has influenced the development and application of psychiatric diagnoses and treatments, and highlighted the need for mental health professionals to understand and address the role of racism in their work.
The book provided a critical examination of the history of racism in psychiatry, calling for the development of culturally responsive approaches to psychiatric care that incorporate cultural competency into training and practice. It emphasized the importance of advocating for social justice and systemic change to address the root causes of mental health disparities and promoted policies and practices that address racism and inequality.
The book also provided examples of successful interventions and programs that have been effective in addressing racism and mental health disparities in communities of color. It offered guidance on how to develop and implement effective interventions and highlighted the importance of community engagement and collaboration in these efforts.
Overall, the book was important because it challenged mental health professionals to critically examine their own practices and beliefs, and to take an active role in promoting social justice and advancing policies and practices that address racism and inequality in mental health care. It provided a valuable resource for mental health professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in promoting mental health equity for all.
Sign the Petition to Reinstate Dr. Medlock
On Monday, April 17, 2023, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) Commissioner, Morgan Medlock, MD, MDiv, MPH, a Black community leader, was unjustly removed from her Colorado cabinet position without cause. Her removal risks the lives of millions of people in Colorado who deserve accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive behavioral health care. It also perpetuates the message that strong, qualified Women of Color are vulnerable to the whims of political systems and cabinet leadership.
Demand justice for Dr. Medlock by signing the petition for Governor Polis to bring her back as the Commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).