Organization adds Sussex County staff to help address mental health in Hispanic communities
SUSSEX CO., Del. – A Delaware mental health organization has added new staff to specifically serve Hispanic communities in Sussex County.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is behind two new Multi-Cultural Engagement Coordinators for the southern part of Delaware. Officials say they will help with mental health support, education and advocacy. NAMI says there are of course sometimes language barriers but there’s also a stigma around mental health in Hispanic communities, which are things they want to change that.
“It’s just not a conversation that’s had a lot. Whether it’s fear of judgment or looking weak. Whatever these stigmas are,” says Estevan Garcia, one of NAMI Delaware’s new Multi-Cultural Engagement Coordinators.
“Trying to let them know what resources are available to them and just letting people know that there’s someone they can talk to if they are going through this,” says Jacqueline Contreras, one of NAMI Delaware’s new Multi-Cultural Engagement Coordinators.
Right now, Garcia and Contreras are working to strengthen relationships with services already established. They are also planning to host live educational Facebook conversations in Spanish.
To reach NAMI Delaware’s Help Line Monday through Friday during business hours, call 1-888-427-2643. For Help Line in Spanish, call 302-415-4356. To learn more, visit namidelaware.org.
