Presentation date: 9/27/24

Description:
Historic systems of racism, particularly the inability to equitably accumulate generational wealth through fair housing policies, laid the foundation for the disruption of economic and educational opportunities for Black and Brown populations. Added economic and health burdens include greater rates of maternal mortality, incarceration, and lower graduation rates. These take a toll on wellbeing and mental health. Achieving improved physical and mental health status and outcomes must occur within a community context through improved integrative care in health care settings and through early interventions by health providers and school nurses. Behavioral health (BH) services are due to a shortage of mental health providers, long waits for appointments, and inadequate insurance coverage. The unequal access to healthcare before, during, and after COVID has disproportionately affected these populations and affected the mental health care they receive.

To address racial, economic, and social justice disparities effectively, we must engage the affected populations using integrative care. First, these populations must be at the table so we can hear their lived experiences and co-learn about unequal treatment and BH access. Second, integrative care must include community members and treatment must include whole person health, including physical and behavioral health. Third, their quality of life depends on lessening the financial impact imposed by the above inequalities and training in the skills needed for employment. We’re partnering with the Latino Training Educational Institute to help train for future jobs such as computer and language skills. Our aim is to train and increase the BH workforce, especially clinicians who are culturally responsive to these communities, and their BH needs. The proposed integrative care allows for engagement of community members and leaders to work together to advocate for policies and program that address the root cause of social and economic disparities among populations of color.

Presenters:

Hoa Appel PhD, MPH
Associate Director, HCOP, Office of Rural Programs, University of WA School of Medicine
Bothell, WA

Sarina Barrett, BA
Communications Specialist, Latino Educational Training Institute (LETI)
Lynnwood, WA

Robin Fleming PhD, RN, FAAN
Associate Teaching Professor, University of Washington
Bothell, WA