The right employee benefits make BIPOC mental health a priority

Published July 25, 2025 12:00 PM EDT Updated July 28, 2025 2:22 PM EDT 1 Min Read

Woman sitting on sofa, speaking with therapist — Adobe Stock

Managing mental health and wellness — from everyday stressors to more serious conditions — is a challenge for many employees today. Without inclusive benefits, major demographics within the workforce are left without support.

This is the case for too many BIPOC employees in the workplace, when their benefit offerings fail to provide access to mental health and wellness professionals or resources that resonate with their unique experiences, language, culture, or other factors.

Benefit leaders have a responsibility to provide accessible and effective options, and are in the position to do so, says Abinue Fortingo, principal population health consultant at insurance and risk management firm Brown & Brown.

“We know that minority communities face significant challenges accessing mental health treatment, with stigma also serving as a barrier,” Fortingo says. “Ensuring that those communities gain that access remains a priority and it’s something leaders should be working to solve for.”

Lee Hafner

Editor

Lee joined the EBN team in 2022, and covers areas including caregiving, employee health and wellness, healthcare innovation, and company culture. She created EBN's popular Benefits in Action and … Read full bio

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