Health Equity in Access to Behavioral Health Recovery Services (HEAR US) Phase 2

The HEAR US grant specifically supports the mental health community by enabling non-profit organizations in California to broaden the scope and reach of behavioral health recovery services. This funding initiative is particularly focused on enhancing mental health equity, aiming to dismantle systemic barriers that prevent vulnerable populations, including communities of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, from accessing essential mental health care. This strategic funding supports tailored programs that address the unique needs and challenges faced by these communities in the mental health landscape.

In the wake of hate crimes particularly targeting Chinese communities since the COVID-19 outbreak, the Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities (MHACC) has intensified its efforts to support victims of such crimes and raise awareness. According to the California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, hate crimes increased by 32.6% in 2021, with anti-Asian hate crimes witnessing a staggering 177.5% increase. MHACC, being a significant mental health peer support organization for the Asian community, has been actively campaigning against hate crimes through partnerships with prominent Chinese media outlets, such as World Journal, Sing Tao Daily, and KTSF26.

Access to mental health support is crucial, especially for the Chinese American immigrant community which often faces hindrances such as a lack of awareness, stigma, and limited access to affordable and culturally sensitive mental health services. MHACC is dedicated to providing culturally apt mental health services centering around peer support in order to address these challenges.

MHACC offers an array of programs including our Warm Line Program, Mental Health First Aid Course, Senior Safety and Community Ambassador program, and specialized Mental Health Apps (UrSpace for self-care and MiSunshine for caregivers). We also provide the Mental Health Recovery Self-Help Educational Program, which emphasizes self-healing and professional treatment for victims that have experienced a hate incident. Moreover, we host support groups such as the Family Support Group and Peer Recovery Support Group, which cater to the Chinese community and those affected by mental health problems arising from hate crimes. Through these initiatives, MHACC aims to empower individuals and families to lead meaningful and productive lives.

CALHOPE

MHACC, in close partnership with CalHOPE, aims to provide high-quality mental health support to the Chinese community. CalHOPE, a project by DHCS and CalMHSA, offers various resources to support Californians' mental well-being. CalHOPE services include:

• CalHOPE Warmline: Call (833) 317-HOPE (4673) for immediate support from trained crisis counselors (including Mandarin/Cantonese speakers) and resource referrals.
• CalHOPE Connect: Visit calhopeconnect.org for free, confidential, online chat with counselors fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.
• CalHOPE Schools: Access free mental health resources for students, teachers, parents, and school staff at California public schools.
• Together for Wellness: Access mental health services and resources in Chinese (simplified and traditional) on topics like anxiety relief, self-care, and coping with grief.

Visit CalHOPE at :

https://www.calhope.org/

(833) 317-HOPE (4673)

For more information, contact MHACC at:

 1-800-881-8502

info@mhacc-usa.org

Remember, you're not alone—CalHOPE/MHACC is here to help!

KTSF 26's Interview about CalHOPE: https://youtu.be/zcHcdZBCOBw