The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted Latinx communities and highlighted how preexisting health disparities increased mental health conditions. In addition, the pandemic resulted in the loss of family members, food insecurity, reduced access to mental health services, and housing instability among Latinx communities. The unique challenges faced by Latinx families emphasize the critical need to translate best practices and apply them at the intersection of behavioral health, comprehensive school mental health systems, and culture.
State governments play an essential role in monitoring and addressing the needs of their residents. The convening of federal government staff and national, state, and local leaders will bring key stakeholders to discuss lessons learned in implementing behavioral health strategies during the pandemic. This roundtable discussion will highlight organizational and public health strategies to implement comprehensive mental health systems needed to improve the health and well-being of Latinx communities. Current efforts provide a unique opportunity for communities and agencies to work towards a more equitable recovery for Latinxs. This event is a collaborative effort between the Central East MHTTC, the National Center for School Mental Health, and the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University.
Learning objectives:
Address the challenges Latinx communities faced in the Central East Region during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Discuss the behavioral health needs of Latinx communities and how they can be addressed at the organizational and provider level.
Discuss recommendations on organizational strategies and workforce services at both the system and local levels.
Agenda*
*Subject to change
Welcome and Introductions
Christine Miranda, PhD
Associate Project Director
National Hispanic and Latino MHTTC
Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine
Ibis S. Carrión-González, PsyD
Director
National Hispanic and Latino MHTTC
Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine
Oscar Morgan
Project Director
Central East MHTTC
Opening Statement
CDR Karina D. Aguilar, DrPH, MSW, CPH
Assistant Regional Administrator, Region 2
Commander, United States Publich Health Services
Roundtables Discussion: Finding a Way Advancing Together to Improve Latinx Communities Behavioral Health
Scott Bloom, LCSW-R (Moderator)
Director of Special Projects
New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center (NYPCC)
Advisory Board Member
National Hispanic and Latino MHTTC
Group Discussion
Luis H. Zayas, PhD (Moderator)
Dean and Professor
Steve Hicks School of Social Work
Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Dell Medical School
The University of Texas at Austin
Advisory Board Member
National Hispanic and Latino MHTTC
¿Quiénes somos y de dónde venimos? A Historical Context to Inform Mental Health Services with Latinx Populations National Hispanic and Latino MHTCC
Oscar Fernando Rojas Perez, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate
Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
Trainer, National Hispanic and Latino MHTTC
David G. Zelaya, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Brown University School of Public Health
Harvard Medical School
Manuel Paris, PsyD
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Yale University School of Medicine
Advisory Board Member, National Hispanic and Latino MHTTC
Closing Remarks / Next Steps / Evaluation
Scott Bloom, LCSW-R
Director of Special Projects
New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center (NYPCC)
Advisory Board Member
National Hispanic and Latino MHTTC