(Block 3) 3:00 - 3:45 p.m.

Latino Mental Health Navigator Program Panel Discussion

Moderators  Jessica Sutton (OCHLA) and Malaika Brewer (OhioMHAS)           
Panelists Leslie Pineda (Del Pueblo, Springfield) and Cristina Hernandez (Proyecto RAICES, Akron)

During this panel discussion, Latino Mental Health Navigator cohort representatives will examine the program’s work to improve mental health education and access for Latino Ohioans. A grant award from OhioMHAS supported the startup of seven community mental health navigator sites in designated areas of Ohio in March of 2022. The LMHN Program’s mission is to reduce disparities in the availability, accessibility, and quality of mental and behavioral healthcare services for Hispanic/Latino community members. LMHNs are fulfilling this mission by educating clients on mental health topics and referring them to services while simultaneously identifying ways that local providers themselves can better address the needs of Hispanic/Latino clients.

Through various forms of mental health outreach and engagement, including referrals, educational presentations, workshops, and activities in response to COVID-19, program sites have served 32,694 clients over a 15-month grant period. This included 649 clients who were directly connected with mental health service providers and may not have access to needed care without the effort of LMHNs. 

The discussion will be moderated by representatives from OCHLA and OhioMHAS, who offer technical support, cohort collaboration opportunities, and funding to continue this important work.