Mental Health’s Invisibility as an Identity and DEI Topic
By Shayla O’Keeffe
January 2024
When you think of a topic for diversity, equity and inclusion, what comes to mind first? Second? More than likely, the topic of “mental health inclusion” is not one of the first things. Yet, it’s a crucial part of the conversation, especially as it’s intertwined with disability inclusion and the concept of intersectionality.
It also impacts a substantial number of community members and our workforce.
Nearly 20% of U.S. adults are experiencing a mental health condition, which is roughly 50 million Americans, according to Mental Health America. Mental health does not discriminate across genders, race, ethnicity, age or another demographic — it can impact anyone.
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Shayla O’Keeffe
Shayla O’Keeffe, a member of PRSA Tampa Bay and its current chair of the DE&I Committee, is an internal communications professional and certified change practitioner, currently serving the employees of Bristol Myers Squibb, providing global communications expertise in strategy and delivery of various internal communications projects. She is also certified in Mental Health First Aid and honored to be a board member of her local NAMI Chapter — NAMI of Pinellas County.
