Special Programs and Initiatives

National Congress for Hispanic Mental Health

I. Preface

Hispanics are growing in population size, positions of leadership, and economic impact within the United States. At the same time, they face higher levels of poverty, lower levels of educational attainment, lower insurance coverage, and cultural and linguistic differences. Each of these factors contributes to a greater risk for health and mental health problems. These differences create disparities in access to services.

The President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) have made a commitment to promote mental health for all Americans, and HHS has targeted addressing the public health needs of Hispanics through its Agenda for Action. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and its Centers recognize that programs need to be built at the local Hispanic community level, not structured from afar. Moreover, the services to be provided cannot be based on a "one-size-fits-all" approach. We know that health care messages and treatment must be presented in a culturally appropriate way that can be adopted and accessed by the Hispanic community.

In March 2000, SAMHSA and its Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) acknowledged the growing mental health service needs of the Hispanic community by sponsoring a National Congress for Hispanic Mental Health. SAMHSA/CMHS determined that services must be more accessible, appropriate, and responsive to the needs of the community and declared the need for a plan to serve as an heirloom for the next generation. The aim: to create a vision for Hispanic mental health for the new century.

The spirit, commitment, and hard work of Hispanic leaders and partners during the National Congress is evidenced by the creation of a National Agenda for Hispanic Mental Health and an Action Plan that moves a vision into reality. They have built a house solidly of the bricks and mortar of collaboration and have committed themselves to remaining united and working together, from the community up to the national level. The recommendations and actions contained within the National Agenda and Action Plan are both timely and wide-reaching. They focus on all levels - from national to State, local, and grassroots - for action and commitments.

We, at SAMHSA and CMHS, know that a vision is only a dream unless you have action. The National Agenda for Hispanic Mental Health and Action Plan offers a challenge to all of us to create a system of care that is seamless and culturally appropriate to all communities. Continued commitment-building, partnering, and accountability are needed at the Federal, State, and grassroots levels to ensure that the work resulting from the National Congress has an impact on the mental health of the Hispanic community.

We as the leadership at SAMHSA and CMHS will continue to move forward with our mission to improve mental health for all Americans. We challenge everyone to work with us in taking action to better meet the mental health service needs of the Hispanic community. Many tasks lie ahead.

SAMHSA/CMHS will work to determine which of the identified actions within the Agenda and Action Plan we can implement. Each of us must make our voice heard, to move the vision for tomorrow's generation forward.

Nelba Chavez, Ph.D.
Administrator
Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration

Bernard S. Arons, M.D.
Director
Center for Mental Health Services

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