Kohl’s and National Alliance on Mental Illness continue to help diverse communities navigate through mental health challenges
At Kohl’s, we recognize that anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness regardless of their background. Our culture, beliefs, sexual identity, values, race and language all affect how we perceive and experience mental health conditions.
Kohl’s Recognizes Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Background and identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. Recognized in July, Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 2008 to start changing this.
This Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, Kohl’s and our national partner the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) continue to Stand Together for Mental Health and work towards a vision of a nation where anyone affected by mental illness — no matter their background, culture, ethnicity, ability or identity — can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives. This ongoing commitment is part of Kohl’s pledge to deliver meaningful change for good to its people, customers and communities by giving $20 million in support of diverse communities by 2025.
NAMI Provides Support Groups to BIPOC Communities Across the Country
NAMI and Kohl’s understand the importance of sharing healthy spaces, tools and coping strategies with BIPOC communities. Through NAMI’s free support groups, NAMI Connection and NAMI Family Support Groups, individuals are provided a safe place where they can participate in peer-led sessions to share their experiences related to mental illness and gain support from other attendees.
Take a look at how NAMI’s support groups have changed the lives of individuals across the nation:
As we listen to these incredible stories, Kohl’s is committed to bring NAMI’s support group model to more BIPOC communities, including in Milwaukee. Showcasing this, Kohl’s new hometown partnership with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southeast Wisconsin will help the organization bring its evidence-based education programs, support groups and classes to more communities in Milwaukee County, providing a safe environment for individuals to express themselves.
Check out NAMI’s support group locators to find NAMI Connection and NAMI Family Support Groups near you. Learn more about the benefits of NAMI’s support groups on the NAMI Blog.
Kohl’s Prioritizes Mental Health Amongst Associates
In addition, Kohl’s strives to drive economic prosperity through conversations, programs and partnerships that improve quality of life for our associates. Along this journey, we’re embracing opportunities to address racial disparities.
This July, NAMI will host educational sessions for Kohl’s Hispanic y Latino and Black Professionals Business Resource Groups. Both conversations will explore wellness, well-being and mental health awareness rooted in collective community wisdom and empowerment. NAMI will also host an Allyship Training for Kohl’s associates in August, designed to provide support strategies and encouragement to all staff interested in learning to address mental health and wellness at work as well as support colleagues, loved ones and friends. In all three conversations, Kohl’s associates and NAMI will speak openly about health and wellness and identify ways to create healing and wholeness.
Kohl’s is a member of NAMI’s StigmaFree Company initiative. This unique program identifies and assists companies with a culture of openness, acceptance and understanding about employees’ overall health and well-being.
Helpful Resources
Share with us how you advocate for mental health by writing your personal story or sharing #Together4MH graphics and messages with your community. Also, join the organizations movement to advocate for a better mental health care system by signing up for advocacy alerts and taking action when opportunities arise in your community.
Community Partnerships
Kohl’s believes healthy communities help support healthy families, so we give back to our communities with money, resources, talent, and time. Kohl's supports organizations across the country to make a difference in the communities we share. To learn more about Kohl’s commitment to family health and wellness and community partnerships, or to access Kohl’s 2021 ESG Report, visit Corporate.Kohls.com.