Des Moines, Iowa
Back the Black is a mental health awareness campaign developed by the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative (HSI), crafted by a dedicated committee of Black professionals in Iowa to adapt HSI's broader Make It OK mental health stigma campaign for the Black community. The campaign addresses the disproportionate mental health challenges facing Black Iowans — including higher rates of serious psychological distress among those living in poverty, elevated suicide attempt rates among Black girls ages 14–18, and systemic barriers including fear, shame, stigma, and mistrust that prevent help-seeking. The Back the Black resource page consolidates mental health resources specifically for Black Iowans including a Black Therapists in Iowa directory via Psychology Today, the Black Mental Health Alliance, the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (free therapy sessions), Black Girls Smile, BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective), youth mental health resources through YSS and NAMI Central Iowa, LGBTQ+ affirming resources through One Iowa, and senior mental health resources through the Iowa Department on Aging. Organizations can register to participate in the campaign and individuals can take a personal commitment pledge. Iowa Healthiest State Initiative holds a Candid Platinum Seal 2026.