An analysis of the Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund: facilitators of success, challenges and recommendations.

Abstract

Introduction: In 2018, in an effort to address the mental health inequities experienced by Black Canadians, the Government of Canada announced a CAD 10 million investment to establish the Public Health Agency of Canada's Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund (MHBC). The aim of this study was to examine and document the lessons learned from the MHBC, including successes and challenges.

Methods: Researchers conducted document analysis of 15 participating projects from 14 organizations' annual and final reports. Researchers then conducted interviews with representatives from nine of these organizations. An embedded case study design was used in the data collection and data analysis that included content analysis of annual and final reports, as well as thematic analysis of individual interviews.

Results: Analysis of the data from annual and final reports and interviews illuminated three main themes: facilitators of successes; challenges; and lessons learned and recommendations for funders. Facilitators included honorariums and incentives, participatory action research design and Black leadership. Challenges included delays (for obtaining ethics approval and program implementation); impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; and difficulties maintaining partnerships. Finally, the lessons learned and recommendations that emerged for funders were that there is a need for longer term and more flexible funding, more Black representation and leadership within funding organizations and greater support of antiracist practices among mainstream service providers.

Conclusion: The findings of this study present the challenges and opportunities in supporting work aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of Black people in Canada.