Focus Areas

Our Center is dedicated to addressing the environmental health needs of Hispanic/Latino (H/L) communities by disseminating information about the health effects of exposure to hazardous substances and working to reduce the impact of these exposures. Our goal is to prevent illness caused by harmful chemicals and environmental contaminants. For all communities, it is essential to prioritize prevention and promote the safe management of hazardous substances by identifying, preventing, and mitigating their health effects. One of our key public health priorities is to provide critical information to protect vulnerable populations—such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly—from the risks associated with harmful exposures.

HIV is a significant public health issue in the United States, and a part of a syndemic of viral hepatitis, STIs, mental health and substance use issues, and other health conditions. Latinos have a higher prevalence of HIV infections. Latinos make up about 19% of the U.S. population but account for 31% of new HIV diagnoses (CDC, 2024).

Training and technical assistance for behavioral health providers focusing on the health and well-being of mothers and children from birth until adolescent years. Training includes topics such as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders as well as culturally responsive mental health treatment for children and families experiencing mental health challenges. Learn more…

A continuum of offerings from brief educational products to in-depth products, and trainings on a variety of mental health-related topics including adjustment disorders, culturally responsive approaches to therapy and social influences of health and mental health.

Primary or integrative care is a healthcare model that combines physical and behavioral health services into a coordinated patient-centered approach. This model aspires to meet both physical and mental health needs within the same setting, promoting collaboration among healthcare professionals to formulate comprehensive treatment plans.

Programs and initiatives to increase the capacity of the workforce addressing prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use challenges. The center’s initiatives attend to three areas: strengthening the behavioral health workforce as they work with the impact of substance use and mental health issues in communities; addressing behavioral health shortage and improving service delivery.