Press Release: Black Mothers in Power Receives ACCESS 988 Grant to Expand Mental Health Support for Black Women, Girls, and Families
Published: July 1, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Black Mothers in Power Receives ACCESS 988 Grant to Expand Mental Health Support for Black Women, Girls, and Families
Wilmington, Delaware - Black Mothers in Power (BMIP) is proud to announce that it has been awarded funding through the ACCESS 988 initiative to increase awareness, education, and access to mental health and crisis support services for Black women, girls, mothers, and families in Delaware.
The ACCESS 988 grant will support culturally responsive outreach efforts designed to ensure that Black communities understand how and when to utilize the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Through community education, digital campaigns, resource navigation, and trusted community partnerships, BMIP aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and connect individuals to life-saving support.
"Far too many Black women and mothers carry the weight of stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and caregiving responsibilities without adequate support," said Shané Darby. "This funding allows us to meet people where they are, provide education about 988, and ensure that Black women, girls, and families know they are not alone and that help is available."
Mental health challenges can impact individuals during pregnancy, postpartum, parenting, adolescence, and throughout the lifespan. Black women are disproportionately affected by barriers to mental health care, including cost, stigma, provider shortages, and lack of culturally responsive services.
Through this initiative, BMIP will focus on:
Increasing awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Providing maternal mental health education.
Connecting families to behavioral health resources.
Supporting pregnant and postpartum individuals experiencing emotional distress.
Engaging Black girls and young women in conversations about emotional wellness.
Creating culturally relevant content that promotes healing, resilience, and community support.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, substance use concerns, or thoughts of suicide. Individuals can call or text 988 at any time to connect with trained crisis counselors.
As a Black women-led organization dedicated to advancing Black maternal health and family wellness, BMIP recognizes that mental health is an essential component of maternal health. The organization's work through ACCESS 988 aligns with its mission to improve outcomes for Black mothers, babies, and families through education, advocacy, support services, and community-driven solutions.
Throughout the grant period, BMIP will launch community outreach activities, social media campaigns, educational workshops, and resource-sharing opportunities to ensure that more Delaware residents are aware of available mental health supports.
About Black Mothers in Power
Black Mothers in Power is a Black women-led nonprofit organization committed to improving Black maternal health outcomes through advocacy, workforce development, direct support services, community education, and systems change. BMIP works to ensure that Black women, children, and families have access to the resources necessary to thrive.
Media Contact:
Shané Darby
Founder & Executive Director
Black Mothers in Power
shane.n.darby@blackmothersinpower.org