This Black History Month, the Department of Mental Health Services honors and celebrates the legacy of African American trailblazers who have made significant contributions to the field of medicine. From Daniel Hale Williams, who performed the first successful open-heart surgery, to Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black female physician in the U.S., their accomplishments have had lasting impacts on the progression of medicine and have inspired generations of future Black physicians. We honor these trailblazers not only for their groundbreaking achievements but also for their resilience and perseverance in the face of systemic challenges. May their legacies continue to inspire and uplift, highlighting the importance of mental fortitude and determination in overcoming obstacles.
As we embark on this month of celebrating not only Black history but also Black achievements and culture, we at the Department of Mental Health Services encourage you to dedicate time to reading, researching, and listening to the stories of those whose lived experiences may differ from your own. We hope that engaging in these activities will broaden your understanding, perspective, and compassion, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative learning and work environment.
Go Read
- The legacy of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a heart surgery pioneer
- The U.S.’s First Black Female Physician Cared for Patients from Cradle to Grave
- Recognizing African American contributions to neurology: The role of Solomon Carter Fuller
Go Research
- Black History: Three Pioneers in Pediatric Health Care
- Examining the American Medical Association’s racist history and its overdue reckoning
- The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis
Need to talk?
For trainees
The Department of Mental Health Services is available to provide mental health and personal counseling services to all students, residents, and fellows. There are a few ways to access services:
- To request an appointment with the Department of Mental Health Services, send a secure message via the online portal at indianamedportal.pointnclick.com or call 317-278-2383 during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM).
- For urgent matters, call 317-278-HELP (4357), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A licensed clinical health specialist will provide an assessment and help direct you to appropriate treatment options based on the situation. You may also call on behalf of a trainee if you are a family member, friend, or colleague concerned about their well-being. You may call anonymously if desired.
- TimelyCare is a free resource to all IU students that allows them to have 24/7 on-demand emotional support as well as scheduled telehealth visits (with some after-hours and out-of-state access) through a national vendor. You can engage with a clinician via phone, video, or video chat. Signing up just requires your student email.
For IU Health employees
- IU Health Employee Assistance Program
- IU Health Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Services; call 317-962-8611
- National Crisis Hotline; call or text 988 (available 24/7)
For IU Employees
- The IU Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides 24/7/365 access to licensed mental health counselors via SupportLinc or 888-881- LINC (5462) for IU School of Medicine team members and their households.
Access to Anthem LiveHealth Online is included with your IU-sponsored medical coverage. This service allows you to engage with a mental health provider via telehealth using your IU insurance provider.
