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Midland advocates spotlight Minority Mental Health Month, suicide prevention outreach
Summary by The Odessa Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Chloe Ryan , CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)
· July 24, 2026
· 3 min read
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - July is Minority Mental Health Month, a time to recognize the unique challenges many people of color face when seeking mental health care—from cost and transportation to stigma and fear of not being understood. Mental health counselor Veronica Moreno, M.A., LPC, with Intuit...
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Summary created by The Odessa Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Chloe Ryan, CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 24, 2026 Indexed here Jul 24, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the national suicide rate dropped between 2023 and 2024.
Why this matters in The Odessa
In the Permian Basin, where Minority Mental Health Month efforts are underway, the need for culturally sensitive care is particularly pressing. Given the region's diverse population, it's crucial that local mental health services are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by people of color. Veronica Moreno's work with Intuitive Healing Therapy in Midland highlights the importance of building trust and creating safe spaces for marginalized communities. As the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's West Texas Chapter shares resources and hosts conversations, it's likely that these efforts will resonate with local residents who have been impacted by the national trends of increased suicide rates in Black and Indigenous communities. The fact that American Indian and Alaska Native communities have the highest suicide rates in the country underscores the need for targeted outreach in the Permian Basin, where these populations are present. Local advocates must continue to prioritize accessibility and cultural sensitivity in their outreach efforts.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 24, 2026 ·
Source: CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) ·
Reading time: 3 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - July is Minority Mental Health Month, a time to recognize the unique challenges many people of color face when seeking mental health care—from cost and transportation to stigma and fear of not being understood. Mental health counselor Veronica Moreno, M.A., LPC, with Intuit...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 24, 2026 by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Chloe Ryan at CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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