GREENSBORO, NC - The Mental Health Association in Greensboro received one of only four national awards presented by Mental Health America at its recent 2008 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

The local private, not-for-profit organization was awarded the Betty Humphrey Cultural Competence Award in recognition of its Latino mental health initiatives. 

The Cultural Competence Award honors a Mental Health America affiliate for outstanding achievements in creating culturally competent services that address racial, ethnic and cultural disparities. Launched in September of 2006, the Greensboro campaign has successfully built a network of Latino advocates and bilingual service providers in a community where such support was lacking.

David Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America, cited the Greensboro Association and the other three national award winners for their tireless efforts to improve conditions for mental health consumers.

 “Their compassion, dedication and optimism should serve as a benchmark for all of us in the advocacy community,” said Shern.  “Mental health consumers and their loved ones are the core of the mental health movement, and I am proud to honor such remarkable individuals.”

Accepting the national award were Blair Benson, Greensboro Association executive director, and Andres Mosquera, a volunteer who works with the program.  Benson and Mosquera also led a

90-minute workshop for conference delegates, sharing techniques for establishing similar programs in other communities and states.

The Greensboro Association’s Latino mental health program now includes four no-cost, Spanish-speaking mental health support groups as well a help-line providing information and referrals for Spanish-speaking individuals.  A monthly Latino Mental Health Network, hosted and co-facilitated by the Greensboro Mental Health Association, brings together individuals and agencies to strengthen resources available locally.  Outreach to Latino churches, health fairs and other Latino groups helps provide stigma reducing education and awareness and facilitates access to available services.

In 2007, the Mental Health Association’s Latino initiatives received the prestigious Vic Nussbaum Award from Greensboro’s Moses Cone-Wesley Long Community Health Foundation.

The Mental Health Association in Greensboro is dedicated to maximizing mental wellness through education, advocacy, supportive services and collaboration with mental health professionals and organizations.  The Association is in Greensboro at 330 S. Greene Street, Suite B-12, and can be reached at 336/373-1402 or info@mhag.org.

Click here to view award photo.