Diverse Communities
Mental Health in the Hispanic/Latino Community
The Hispanic/Latino population is the largest minority group in the nation. There currently exist unacceptable and intolerable disparities in the health and mental health status and accessibility to services for the Hispanic/Latino population. Latinos face significant obstacles in receiving adequate mental health and rehabilitation services ranging from lack of access to and availability of mental health services, lack of bilingual and culturally appropriate mental health services, and inadequate distribution of mental health professionals. Despite the growth of the Hispanic population, mental health service needs have not been met, not commensurate with the growth and demonstrated needs.
Massachusetts Latino Consumer Network
The Massachusetts Statewide Latino Consumer Network is a consumer-driven peer support model and network designed by and for the Latino peer mental health consumer community. This consumer network initiatives reaches out to the Latino mental health consumer community to ensure the development of local culturally-appropriate peer support and recovery infrastructure within a statewide Latino network. This network also ensures increased peer support for the Latino population on a local level while providing culturally-sensitive networking opportunities and increased advocacy at the state level.