Speedy Cash donates $10,000 to the Black Mental Health Alliance
As Speedy Cash recognizes Black History Month throughout the company, we wanted to give back to the Black community in a meaningful way. Our Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Council has donated $10,000 to the Black Mental Health Alliance.
Mental Health and the Black Community
In light of the pandemic, mental health needs have increased significantly. While many have faced hefty challenges and losses, the impact has hit many minority communities disproportionately, often causing these communities to experience worse mental health outcomes; this fact has prompted a larger conversation.1
“The pandemic has exacerbated already existing disparities. Open discussions within our D&I Council and additional research have revealed that these disparities indicate more than a pandemic trend,” said Jillian Slagter, Speedy Cash Chief Human Resources Officer. “There is a long list of reasons why we are seeing that only one in three Black adults2 who need mental care receive it. Cultural stigmas, and limited access to necessary health services and relatable health professionals have all furthered this disparity.”
So why does this matter?
“This matters because these issues compound and end up affecting how we think and act. As a member of the Black community, it is important to be able to talk to a professional who relates to our issues. Mental health is just the starting point. We have to work to understand the underlying social issues which have caused disparity and have facilitated systemic racism,” said Kristina Coleman, Speedy Cash Senior Manager of Communications and D&I Council Leader.
The D&I Council empowers our employees to talk about sensitive issues and bring awareness to the company; and, Speedy Cash wanted to find a way to do more. That’s why we chose Black Mental Health Alliance to help provide resources to a lot more people in the Black community.
Annually, the Black Mental Health Alliance provides over 100 Continuing Education Units to behavioral and mental health professionals to help increase the number of resources available to help connect people to culturally relevant health care. Additionally, they develop, promote, and sponsor educational forums, trainings, and referral services that support the health and well-being of Black people and vulnerable communities.
To donate or learn more, visit the Black Mental Health Alliance.
About The Diversity and Inclusion Council
In June of 2020, Speedy Cash, one of several brands operated by CURO, created a Diversity and Inclusion Council. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment and culture where people feel comfortable being themselves and bringing their diverse experiences to the table. It’s the diversity of our people that help us serve a diverse customer base. We recognize that unique individuals, collaborative teams and inclusive leaders have a far-reaching impact and drive innovation, growth and progress. Most importantly, it’s the right thing to do.
2National Alliance on Mental Illness. Identity and Cultural Dimensions: Black/African American. Accessed 9 February 2021 from: https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/Black-African-American
