The month of May has a few notable dates that I will try to swirl together in a way that makes sense, at least to me. In order to do this I’ll have to mescla in a bit of Spanglish here and there. First, May is National Mental Health Month; Second, Cinco de Mayo was last weekend; and May 7 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Let’s start with Cinco de Mayo, which, if you didn’t know, commemorates the Battle of La Puebla, in which the Mexicans accomplished a very one-sided victory against Napoleon’s French forces. It was thought that Napoleon’s army was unstoppable in its unyielding quest for more territory in the Americas until General Zaragoza’s forces turned them back. It is estimated that only 100 Mexican soldiers died compared to at least 500 French. Although Cinco de Mayo is not that big a deal in Mexico, in the US it has become a day to celebrate Latino culture (and to sell tacos, guacamole, and cervezas of course).
In thinking about Latino culture and Mental Health Month my mind goes to the challenges of providing behavioral health services to our gente. Latinos with substance use disorders (SUD) have low rates of seeking treatment. Only 36.8% of Latinos with a mental disorder used any mental health services, compared to 48.3% of non-Latino whites. National estimates indicate that only 3-12% of Latinos with SUD seek help. Latinos are also less likely to use treatment services than other racial/ethnic groups. These rates are low due to many factors, including stigma, lack of Hispanic behavioral health providers, and lack of services for Spanish-speaking individuals and families.
I was recently interviewed on KSWV 99.9 FM, a station whose audience is predominantly bilingual on these topics. The radio show, called Health Para Todos, focused on understanding stigma and best practices for engaging and treating behavioral health conditions with Latinos. During the interview, I cited data from the New Mexico Health Care Workforce Committee 2021 Annual Report which states that only 25% of independently licensed behavioral healthcare providers identify as Hispanic/Latino compared to 49% of the population of New Mexico. This type of mismatch can be a barrier for persons seeking services. At various times in my life, I have often struggled to find a Latino male therapist and have never found the one that would work for me. Granted, the fact that I personally know many of the independently licensed Latino male therapists in my community makes this task even harder. It is even harder for my Native colleagues with only 3.2% of independently licensed providers identifying as American Indian.
It is important to note that this issue is not just about linguistic competence. If a client feels that they can’t culturally relate to their healthcare provider, this is a barrier. Although I firmly believe that any provider can be trained to address cultural barriers (we even have a few trainings on that topic this month), the fact remains that many people would feel more comfortable receiving services from someone with whom they share a cultural framework.
The day that I write this article coincides with National Fentanyl Awareness Day. For those who may not be familiar with Fentanyl or “Fent”, “Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid prescribed for chronic, severe pain and is more potent than morphine or heroin. It is also illicitly manufactured in powder and pill forms. According to the most recent available data, in New Mexico in 2022, of the 711 fatal.” As dangerous as Fentanyl is, there are even newer and more hazardous formulations of the drug that include a tranquilizer called Xylazine. Fent mixed with Xylazine is often called “Tranq”, and its overdose potential is greater than Fentanyl alone because they are in different drug classes. Although reliable data related to Tranq’s presence in New Mexico is not yet available, we need to brace for its presence, and it may ultimately supplant Fentanyl in the way that Fent supplanted heroin.
What are we to do with all of this? How can we reduce stigma, increase the diversity of our workforce, and address the ever-evolving opioid crisis? The good news is that we already have the answers; we just need more resources. There are fantastic programs in New Mexico that focus on recruiting and supporting Latinos in behavioral health careers, like El Puente de Encuentros, and scholarships like the Josie Torralba Romero Scholarship. There are programs focused on reducing disparities in behavioral health for Latinos, like Bilingual Hearts and Centro Savila. There are efforts at stigma reduction including Bernalillo County’s Keep New Mexico Alive campaign and our upcoming training on Stigma Reduction offered in partnership with Presbyterian’s Community Health Department.
Perhaps the most hope can be found in our own communities and families. By equipping families with the skills to intervene more effectively and support a person’s addiction, we can guide more and more clients (including the 49% of Latinos in New Mexico) towards accessing behavioral health services that they desperately need.
This Mental Health Month, let’s come together as a community to support one another and break down barriers to mental health care. Let’s prioritize our mental well-being and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Together, we can promote mental well-being and create a healthier, happier community para todos. Happy Mental Health Month!
-Brian Serna
To learn more about how to help support families who are struggling with addiction you can either attend our upcoming CRAFT training or visit our Family Empowerment Project page on our website.
Special Announcement for ANYONE who has been trained in CRAFT by Serna Solutions over the years. If this is you, please take a moment to participate in this research project designed to help us learn about barriers to CRAFT implementation in New Mexico. See the announcement below from our partners at UNM.
Extended Deadline!
Examination of CRAFT Implementation in New Mexico
This is a reminder that researchers at the University of New Mexico are conducting an independent evaluation of the CRAFT program at the direction of the Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD) of New Mexico.
They have extended the deadline to complete the screener survey to participate in the evaluation of CRAFT. If you agree to participate, please access with the button below: We ask that you complete the screener survey by Friday, May 24, 2024.
This brief 5-minute screening survey will determine eligibility. You do not need to have offered CRAFT to qualify. Eligible participants will be invited to take part in paid evaluation surveys after completing the screener survey.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jen Perillo at jtperillo@salud.unm.edu. The Human Research Review Committee protocol number for this research is HRRC#: 24-146.
This month brings Mother’s Day, and we’d like to take a moment to honor and extend our love and appreciation for all mothers—and everyone who has embraced the role of a caregiver in our lives. We celebrate every stepmother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, and friend who has provided guidance, love, and support. These figures nurture our communities and make lasting impressions through their dedication and compassion. Let’s honor these remarkable individuals who help us grow and thrive every day.
Brandi Poydack is our new Rio Rancho office manager and a dedicated healthcare administration and accounting professional deeply committed to improving operational efficiencies and patient care in various healthcare settings.
“As a mother of two and an avid outdoor enthusiast, I balance my professional responsibilities with a fulfilling family life and a passion for adventure in the great outdoors. My career is shaped by my skills in financial management and patient services and my role as a nurturing leader who values community and team growth. I am married, and with my family, we cherish exploring new places and experiencing all that nature offers. My professional and personal experiences have taught me the importance of empathy, efficiency, and teamwork, making me a reliable and proactive member of any team, dedicated to delivering excellence and fostering positive relationships.”
Thanks to your help, we’re thrilled to announce that Serna Solutions has been nominated for “Best Mental Healthcare Provider” in the Santa Fe Reporter’s “Best of Santa Fe” edition. This nomination recognizes our commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. Voting is now open, and we’re asking you to vote for Serna Solutions. Your support would mean the world to us! Help us bring home the win and show your support by voting using the link below. Let’s celebrate the power of our community and mental health together!
During Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we’re excited to offer a series of free professional training sessions in partnership with NM BHSD and Presbyterian Health Services. Our goal is to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and foster skill enhancement across the behavioral health community. These opportunities are a great way to deepen your knowledge and enhance your practice, ensuring you’re equipped to meet the challenges of mental health care with the latest strategies and insights. Don’t miss out—our free trainings continue through September, covering various topics essential for today’s mental health professionals. Visit our Eventbrite page to view all upcoming sessions and secure your spot.
CRAFT
CRAFT Is the only evidence-based program designed to assist families that are challenged by addiction. It uses a uniquely balanced approach that relies on positive reinforcement and positive communication while maintaining boundaries that protect the family. CRAFT is a culturally sensitive program that works with families to positively influence the behavior of a person with an active addiction. The program emphasizes learning new skills including 1) how to stay safe, 2) how to understand the function of addictive behaviors, 3) how to use positive reinforcers (rewards) and 4) how to let the substance user suffer the natural consequences for their using behavior. CRAFT research has shown that almost 7 out of 10 people who use the program get their substance user to attend treatment. CRAFT has been shown to be equally effective with Hispanic, Indigenous, and Anglo families. Video and audio are required to attend this online training, there will be a noon-1pm lunch break, MST, May 16th and 17th (12 CEUs)
Trainer: Brianna Jacobson, MA, LMHC, ATR-P
Cost: Free
Online
May 16th and 17th, 2024
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM MST
Ethics: Multicultural Issues in New Mexico- In collaboration with Presbyterian Healthcare Services – Community Health Department
Presbyterian Healthcare Services – Community Health Department and Serna Solutions are partnering to provide this important training service on Health Equity. This online training is focused on Northern New Mexico – the confluence of cultural exchange since time immemorial. This workshop will give participants an opportunity to explore how multiple waves of colonization have impacted issues that affect clients today. Experiential exercises will provide participants with insights into historical trauma, applied attachment theory, and cross-cultural counseling competencies. A working camera and microphone are required for this training, and the training will include a 1HR (MST) noon lunch break. (6 CEUs)
Trainer: Brian Serna, MA, LPCC, LADAC
Cost: Free
Online
May 21st, 2024
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM MST
Weekly Group Schedule
Monday –
- Kundalini Yoga Therapy from 5:30-6:30 PM at our new Santa Fe office. Please call (505) 207-8929 for location.
Tuesday –
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills Group for adults: 12:00-1:30 PM MST online via Zoom.
- Family Empowerment Groups: online from 5:30-6:30 PM MST.
- Grief Support Group Online from 5:30 – 6:30 PM MST
Thursday –
- Grief Support Group: online from 2:00-3:00 PM MST.