The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health is pleased to announce the launch of the Austin Latinx Chicanx Behavioral Health Network (ALCBHN). The group provides networking and professional development opportunities for Latinx behavioral health professionals in the Austin area. Composed of behavioral health professionals, consumers, youth and their families, faith leaders, community leaders and community members, the network identifies and brings together local supports for individuals living with mental health, substance use, and/or developmental disabilities.
The group held its third meeting on April 7. As a response to the COVID-19 crisis, the meeting was on-line only and focused on telehealth services and the pandemic’s impact on the Latinx community.
“As much as the tragedy of COVID-19 has impacted all of our lives, there is compelling evidence that it is already having a disproportionate impact on black and brown communities,” said Dr. Manual X. Zamarripa, LPC-S, coordinator of the ALCBHN. “Far from overshadowing its work, this crisis underscores why the Latinx Chicanx Behavorial Health Network is so necessary.”
“People’s need for culturally competent mental health service provision is acutely felt at a time of crisis like now,” said Dr. Octavio N. Martinez, Jr., executive director of the Hogg Foundation and senior associate vice president for diversity and community engagement at The University of Texas at Austin. “This new network really has a chance to make its mark within the greater Austin community.”