Midland advocates spotlight Minority Mental Health Month, suicide prevention outreach

Summary by The Midland Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Chloe Ryan, KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · 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...

Why this matters in The Midland

In Midland, the recognition of Minority Mental Health Month takes on a particular significance given the area's diverse population. As local advocates like Veronica Moreno work to build trust and create safe spaces for people of color to seek mental health care, they face the challenge of addressing cultural stigma and language barriers that can prevent individuals from seeking help. The fact that American Indian and Alaska Native communities have the highest suicide rates in the country is a stark reminder of the need for targeted outreach and support in our region. By volunteering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's West Texas Chapter, Moreno and others are helping to bring resources and information to marginalized communities, including those in Midland and surrounding areas. As the local community continues to grow and diversify, it will be crucial to prioritize access to culturally sensitive mental health care and to support initiatives that aim to reduce the disparities in mental health outcomes.

About this story

Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: local · Published: July 24, 2026 · Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · Reading time: 3 min

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This article was first published on July 24, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.

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Summary created by	The Midland Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Chloe Ryan, KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
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

Midland advocates spotlight Minority Mental Health Month, suicide prevention outreach

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