New Grant Aims to Improve Latino Mental Health

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When it comes to mental health issues, many Latinos are plagued by a lack of access and the thought of cultural stigma and rarely seek assistance for issues such as depression. This can lead to isolation and further health problems, especially in the heavily Latino populated Sonoma County, Calif. (26% Latino population), The Press Democrat reports.

At Sonoma State University, Francisco Vázquez a professor and president of the board of directors of the nonprofit Latino Service Providers-Sonoma County, believes he has found a way to bridge the cultural gap preventing Latinos from seeking help.

Vázquez is behind a $1.18 million grant project aimed at identifying cultural practices that lead to improved mental and behavioral health. These practices include traditional healing arts, dancing, mural painting, and traditional cooking.

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“Knowing who you are and feeling good about who you are, that gives you an optimistic outlook on life,” said Vázquez in an interview with The Press Democrat. “[Latinos just] need to know that what they’re doing is not just art but a form of mental health treatment.”

These traditions, according to Vázquez’s research, have had healing effects on immigrants and minority communities. According to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research, Latinos used mental health services at nearly half the rate of whites.

The grant Vázquez and his organization received from the Office of Health Equity California Reducing Disparities Project will fund a four-year initiative. This will be used to train 16 local high school students annually as mental health ambassadors, or promotores. They will receive training at Santa Rosa Junior College and work with mental health experts and cultural and artistic leaders.