Community resource guide to increasing mental health awareness through murals for underserved populations

This project presents a community-based intervention designed to address mental health disparities in marginalized populations through portable, peer-led mural creation. Grounded in trauma-informed, humanistic, and strengths-based frameworks, the Community Resource Guide to Increasing Mental Health Awareness Through Murals for Underserved Populations outlines a step-by-step model for designing and implementing collaborative public art projects that foster cultural affirmation, mental health awareness, and social connection. By training peer facilitators and engaging participants in accessible, community-centered art-making, the guide reduces barriers to care while promoting healing and empowerment. The initiative specifically targets BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, and low-income communities, acknowledging historical inequities in access to culturally responsive services. The guide integrates evidence from art therapy, positive psychology, and peer support models to support the effectiveness of mural-making as a low-barrier mental health intervention. Anticipated outcomes include increased community dialogue, reduced stigma, enhanced social cohesion, and improved emotional well-being. This resource contributes to the growing body of literature supporting arts-based approaches to mental health equity and collective healing.