New Training Program Helps Mental Health Providers Enhance Care For Hispanic, Gay And Transgender Communities In New Mexico

Main Category: Mental Health
Also Included In: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs;  Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 12 May 2011 - 5:00 PDT


OptumHealth New Mexico is underwriting a new training program that will help mental health and substance abuse caregivers who serve two important, at-risk populations for mental health and substance abuse issues - Hispanics and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.

The training program, presented by the National Latino Behavioral Health Association and Equality New Mexico, is designed to educate behavioral health care providers about the unique stress factors affecting the Hispanic and LGBT communities. The program focuses on the origins and effects of discrimination and best treatment options for these high-risk populations. Care providers taking the one-day training course receive six continuing education units.

"In New Mexico, the Hispanic and LGBT communities are at-risk for mental health issues and substance abuse, so we want to help ensure they get the important mental health and behavioral health care available to them when they need it," said Michael Evans, CEO, OptumHealth New Mexico. "We are grateful to be able to work with Latino Behavioral Health Association and Equality New Mexico to support educational and training programs that help care providers ensure people in need and those at risk get and stay healthy."

According to the New Mexico Department of Health's 2010 Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Report Card, since 1989, New Mexico has been among the top three states nationwide for drug-induced deaths, with Hispanics having the highest rates statewide. Hispanics also have the state's highest percentage for serious psychological distress, according to the Department of Health's report, Health Behaviors and Conditions of Adult New Mexicans.

"Because there is a high rate of mental illness and substance use among Hispanics, it's important that we help improve their access to care," said Fred Sandoval, operations manager for the National Latino Behavioral Health Association. "Partnering with OptumHealth New Mexico enables us to work with mental health and substance abuse providers to improve the clinical outcomes of Latinos in New Mexico."

LGBT youth have a higher rate of reported suicide attempts than that of heterosexual youth, according to a report published in the Jan. 2011 issue of the Journal of Homosexuality. According to a study published in the American Psychiatric Association's Psychiatric Services, the LGBT community also remains vulnerable to discrimination when seeking behavioral health services in New Mexico's rural communities.

"Equality New Mexico works throughout the state to advocate LGBT civil rights, shape public opinion and policy, as well as strengthen our alliances with local, regional and national partners," said Bob Bowman, Equality New Mexico board president. "We are delighted to be working with OptumHealth New Mexico to improve health care access and quality for the LGBT community. It's a perfect partnership."

Source:
National Latino Behavioral Health Association
Equality New Mexico
OptumHealth

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