'Nobody is speaking about it': Latinx group tackles mental health in WNC

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — May marks mental health awareness month. It’s an issue stigmatized in many communities. One local organization hopes to tackle that for the Latinx community here in the mountains.

“There’s this big problem, but nobody is speaking about it, no one is addressing the problem,” Margarita Ramirez, executive director of Centro Unido Latino-Americano, said.

CULA is launching a mental health program in Spanish, reminding Latinos it’s OK to ask for help.

“For the Latinx community, to talk about mental health issues, it’s a sign of weakness,” Ramirez said. “So, we want to break that barrier and say it’s OK to talk about it.”

Ramirez said there are systematic barriers like lack of insurance, cultural competence and a language barrier that make it difficult for the Latinx community to get help.

“I want them to be able to talk about it and be educated on the issue," she said.

That is why CULA is launching a program called Healthy Minds of CULA. Four staff members will get certified in mental health aid.

“Providing mental health in Spanish and with the cultural knowledge with the Latinx community, I think is going to address the issue,” Ramirez said.

The program will focus largely on the younger Latinx community.

"We want to make sure they’re getting the message -- being depressed or living with anxiety is not a sign of weakness,” Ramirez said. "You can talk about it, and there is help out there.”

CULA, along side other public health groups, will launch the program at a mental health awareness event at Corpening Memorial YMCA in Marion from 5:30-6:15 p.m. Thursday, May 27.

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