Skip to content
Register for FREE Access
Erika's Lighthouse Logo
  • Programs
    A Suite of Programs

    We partner with schools to foster meaningful dialogue around mental health.

    Our free, turn-key, comprehensive, universal programs impact every student while building capacity in schools.

    Access Programs
    12+ Programs in 4 Pillars
    • Classroom Education

      Educational lessons about mental health, depression and suicide.

    • Empowerment Clubs

      Good mental health clubs to empower young people.

    • Family Engagement

      Programs and resources for families to be partners in mental health.

    • Policy & Staff Training

      Staff training, well-being activities and more for a positive climate.

    • Schoolwide Campaigns

      Campaigns that impact whole school communities.

    • Data Center

      Tools that help schools make data-informed decisions.

    Our Approach
    • Four Pillar Philosophy

      Four key aspects of every school’s mental health programs.

    • Depression Education is Suicide Prevention

      Ensuring all students understand signs and symptoms before experiencing suicidal ideation.

    • Upstream Programs Work

      To solves challenges, we start at the source.

    • Empowering Schools for Sustainability

      Equipping educators with materials, confidence and empathy.

    • Peggy Kubert Model Schools

      Recognizing schools that demonstrate their commitment to mental health education.

  • Join & Give
    Support into Action

    We are taking real, impactful, equitable action in schools across the country.

    Our programs are donor-funded and available for free to any school, anywhere.

    Donate Now
    Take Action
    • Donate Now

      We meet donors where they are. Learn about ways to support our work.

    • Ways to Give

      We have several unique ways you can give to help us further our mission

    • Get Involved

      Fundraisers, events, and more to join the movement.

    Support Our Vision
    • Foundations & Corporations

      Fund programs that make a direct impact on youth.

    • Memorials & Dedications

      Celebrate a loved one by honoring or memorializing them.

    • Planned Giving

      Leave a legacy of good mental health for future generations.

  • About Us
    A Community of Action

    We are on a mission to turn loss into action by providing free mental health programs to any school, anywhere.

    As a community of action we are determined to make sure no child feels alone in their depression.

    Every student deserves good mental health.

    About Us
    Learn About Our
    • History

      From loss into action. Our past drives our future.

    • Impact

      Real programs with real results.

    • Vision

      Our vision for the future.

    • Leadership & Team

      Our team is passionate, visionary and focused on making a difference.

    • Partners

      See the organizations helping us to end the stigma surrounding mental health

    • Philosophy

      Support schools through a series of core philosophies.

    • Videos

      Learn about us, our vision, and see program teasers.

    Communicate With Us
    • Our Blog

      Learn more about our work and impact.

    • FAQ

      Get some questions answered.

    • Contact Us

      Mail, email, submit a form or call. We are available.

    • Publications

      See our publications.

Erika's Lighthouse Logo
Donate Now
Register for FREE Access
  • Login
  • Programs
    A Suite of Programs

    We partner with schools to foster meaningful dialogue around mental health.

    Our free, turn-key, comprehensive, universal programs impact every student while building capacity in schools.

    Access Programs
    12+ Programs in 4 Pillars
    • Classroom Education

      Educational lessons about mental health, depression and suicide.

    • Empowerment Clubs

      Good mental health clubs to empower young people.

    • Family Engagement

      Programs and resources for families to be partners in mental health.

    • Policy & Staff Training

      Staff training, well-being activities and more for a positive climate.

    • Schoolwide Campaigns

      Campaigns that impact whole school communities.

    • Data Center

      Tools that help schools make data-informed decisions.

    Our Approach
    • Four Pillar Philosophy

      Four key aspects of every school’s mental health programs.

    • Depression Education is Suicide Prevention

      Ensuring all students understand signs and symptoms before experiencing suicidal ideation.

    • Upstream Programs Work

      To solves challenges, we start at the source.

    • Empowering Schools for Sustainability

      Equipping educators with materials, confidence and empathy.

    • Peggy Kubert Model Schools

      Recognizing schools that demonstrate their commitment to mental health education.

  • Join & Give
    Support into Action

    We are taking real, impactful, equitable action in schools across the country.

    Our programs are donor-funded and available for free to any school, anywhere.

    Donate Now
    Take Action
    • Donate Now

      We meet donors where they are. Learn about ways to support our work.

    • Ways to Give

      We have several unique ways you can give to help us further our mission

    • Get Involved

      Fundraisers, events, and more to join the movement.

    Support Our Vision
    • Foundations & Corporations

      Fund programs that make a direct impact on youth.

    • Memorials & Dedications

      Celebrate a loved one by honoring or memorializing them.

    • Planned Giving

      Leave a legacy of good mental health for future generations.

  • About Us
    A Community of Action

    We are on a mission to turn loss into action by providing free mental health programs to any school, anywhere.

    As a community of action we are determined to make sure no child feels alone in their depression.

    Every student deserves good mental health.

    About Us
    Learn About Our
    • History

      From loss into action. Our past drives our future.

    • Impact

      Real programs with real results.

    • Vision

      Our vision for the future.

    • Leadership & Team

      Our team is passionate, visionary and focused on making a difference.

    • Partners

      See the organizations helping us to end the stigma surrounding mental health

    • Philosophy

      Support schools through a series of core philosophies.

    • Videos

      Learn about us, our vision, and see program teasers.

    Communicate With Us
    • Our Blog

      Learn more about our work and impact.

    • FAQ

      Get some questions answered.

    • Contact Us

      Mail, email, submit a form or call. We are available.

    • Publications

      See our publications.

  • Register/Login
  • Donate Now
Erika's Lighthouse logo
  • July 18, 2023

Minority Mental Health: The Importance of Culturally-Sensitive Care and How Your Donation Can Help

couple sitting together on a sidewalk

In 2020, suicide was the third leading cause of death for black and African American youth ages 15-19. Mental health disparities among minority groups are a severe problem in the United States. There have been increasing trends in suicidal ideation and attempts among US adolescents by sex and race/ethnicity over the past few decades. A study by JAMA Network Open found that Black and Hispanic adolescents were more likely to report suicidal ideation and attempts than White adolescents.

Several factors contribute to minority mental health disparities including:

  • Racial and ethnic discrimination: Minority groups often experience discrimination in all areas of life, including school life and employment. This discrimination can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Lack of access to care: Minority groups are more likely to live in poverty and have less access to healthcare than White Americans. This can make it difficult for them to get the mental health care they need.
  • Cultural stigma & family pressure: Mental health is often stigmatized in minority cultures. This can prevent people from seeking help for mental health challenges.

It is important for schools to adapt culturally sensitive education into their curriculum so that minority youth feel seen, and can relate to their education in a way that will be impactful. Seeing more minority stories being told busts stigma, spreads awareness, and encourages help-seeking for these youth.

Your Donation Makes an Impact

Erika’s Lighthouse is a nonprofit that dedicates itself to making depression education free, accessible, and turn-key for educators to bring to their schools. Donating to Erika’s Lighthouse can help to improve the mental health of teen minorities in several ways. Your donation can help to:

  • Fund classroom education programs: These free programs teach students about mental health and depression by showing them stories told by teens who may relate to their everyday lives. They can help to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and encourage help-seeking for minorities.
  • Support the Empowerment Clubs: These clubs provide a safe space for all youth to connect with other teens who understand what they are going through. It can help spread school-wide awareness and positivity.
  • Provide resources to families: Erika’s Lighthouse offers resources to help families support their children’s mental health. These resources can help families to understand mental illness, communicate with their children about mental health without judgment, and to find the right treatment for their child.
  • Develop school policies and practices that promote positive mental health: Erika’s Lighthouse works with schools to develop policies and practices that promote positive mental health. These policies can help to create a school environment that is supportive of mental health and that is free from discrimination and stigma.

Your donation to Erika’s Lighthouse can make a real difference in the lives of minority youth. By donating, you can help to improve mental health outcomes for minority youth and to reduce the disparities that exist.

Donate Now
Learn More
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact
Quick Links
  • Classroom Education
  • Empowerment Clubs
  • Family Engagement
  • Policy & Staff Training
Get Involved
  • Donate
  • Volunteer
  • Activities & Events
Stay in Touch

Get the latest news and events sent to your inbox.

Subscribe
Facebook Icon Twitter Logo LinkedIn Icon Instagram Youtube

© 2025 Erika’s Lighthouse | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy  | Terms of Use  | Data Center Terms of Use | Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 20-1069100

Achieve logo
Achieve Causes
  • Programs
  • Join & Give
  • About Us
  • Register/Login
  • Donate Now
Book Now
Donate