Mental health is a taboo subject for African American men. In general, there is strong stigma associated with mental health problems and illnesses. Issues related to culture,  masculinity,  and  the  sociopolitical  environment keeps men (and others) from tackling problems related to mental health. When  mental  disorders  aren’t  treated,  African American  men  are  more  vulnerable  to  incarceration,  homelessness,  substance  abuse,  homicide and suicide.

African American men must make community, state and  federal  officials  aware  of  their  unique  mental health issues (e.g. barriers to mental health services)by  participating  and  testifying  at  public  hearings,demanding support from public health agencies and writing to their elected officials and media