Improving Mental Health in Milwaukee's Latinx Population

Project Description Narrative:

Latinx populations immigrating to the U.S. demonstrate reduced mental health compared to the general population, and experience a lack of culturally appropriate services. Latinx populations in states with exclusionary immigration policies or practices report more poor mental health days than Latinx populations in less exclusionary states. Studies have found decreased depression in neighborhoods with higher levels of collective efficacy and support the role of civic engagement in reducing negative mental health and assisting in recovery from mental illness.

This project aims to improve the mental health of Spanish-speaking residents living in Milwaukee Police District Two, which has the highest population density of Latinx residents in Milwaukee. Using a multisector partnership of law enforcement, community-based paraprofessionals, public health professionals, and community organizations, the project will aim to address challenges such as policing/deportation fears, language barriers, and immigration/resettlement trauma while gaining knowledge to better serve Latinx populations.