In recent years, the Langley Park community in Prince George’s County has experienced a heavy influx of immigrants from Central America. Many of them have been victims or witnesses of traumatic and violent events. Field practitioners serving this community are faced with the challenge of limited resources and services to address the mental health needs of immigrant families. According to a Langley Park Promise Neighborhood Report released in 2014, approximately 60% of Langley Park residents do not have health insurance and those who do, still lack access to health care providers, including medical specialists and psychiatrists.  

In light of this reality and in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, Mente Sana, Vida Sana or Healthy Mind, Healthy Life will provide opportunities to connect attendees with services and resources, explore ways in which mental health issues affect Latino immigrants, receive facts about mental health, and highlight existing resources and services geared toward the Latino immigrant community. The event will feature an interactive community dialogue, visual arts, and testimonies. Admission is free and open to the public. 

The event includes a panel presentation where local professionals will share their experiences working with newly arrived youth immigrants and their families. Panelists will discuss successes and challenges when providing mental health services to this population, inform about the mental health issues that they have identified in the Latino immigrant community, and provide recommendations and potential solutions.

To learn more about the event, visit http://www.adelantelp.org/adelante-hosts-its-first-mental-health-awareness-day-event/.