may Mental Health Month 2024

This mental health month, join Call to Mind with five new specials. Each public radio broadcast hour focuses on a timely mental health topic and explores emerging research, shares stories of people living with mental illness, and features interviews with top experts.

All Call to Mind programs are produced with a focus on identity representation and are available to public radio stations nationwide.

Listen to these programs on your public radio station or stream on the program pages below.

If you are a public radio station interested in airing these specials, please contact your American Public Media station relations representative.

THE HOMELESSNESS CRISIS & MENTAL HEALTH

Homelessness in the United States reached a record high in 2023. On any given night, more than 650,000 people experience homelessness. People living homeless have higher rates of untreated mental illnesses and substance use disorders than the general population. That can make it difficult to find a permanent place to live. This program will take you to the streets of New York City to hear directly from people who have lived homeless about what they needed most. You’ll also hear from experts who say the best mental health care for people living homeless is no-strings-attached housing.

THE BURDEN OF BEING

Black women and girls experience discrimination, microaggressions and stereotypes every day. Living with daily racism has a profound impact on the mental health, well-being and lives of all those coping with it. This special program explores the unique mental health burdens of Black women and girls in the United States. Through interviews with mental health providers and people sharing their personal stories, we’ll explore the effects of racism and how care systems can shift to better help Black women thrive.

INCARCERATED WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

Nearly half of incarcerated Americans have a history of mental illness – that's twice the prevalence of mental illness in the adult population of the United States. People with serious mental illnesses encounter law enforcement and the court system for many reasons. This program brings together stories of people who have lived with mental illness while incarcerated. We also meet mental health providers calling for increased mental health care in prisons and jails, and legal experts pioneering new systems.

SCHIZOPHRENIA: FINDING HOPE ON A HARD ROAD

Schizophrenia affects about 24 million people worldwide. It can be a disruptive illness, making it difficult to find a meaningful job, attend school or manage relationships. People with schizophrenia require lifelong treatment, but there is hope. A growing body of research shows that with new interventions it’s possible to live well with the illness.

BIRTH & DEPRESSION: THE UNSPOKEN CONVERSATION

Depression, anxiety and other mental health issues are the most common complications during and after pregnancy, yet 75 percent of postpartum problems go untreated. The consequences can be devastating. Suicide and overdoses are leading causes of maternal death in the United States.

Support for Call to Mind is provided by Sozosei Foundation and the David and Lura Lovell Foundation.