A new city grant will tackle mental health disparities among Indianapolis’ growing Burmese and Haitian populations.
The Office of Public Health and Safety, Mental Health America of Indiana and community leaders announced the behavioral health cultural equity grants on July 29. The city will provide $12,000 for specialized training in behavioral health and substance use support for the Haitian and Burmese communities.
The Haitian Association of Indiana and the Burmese Community of North America will receive half of the grant — $6,000 each — to train community members in mental health aid. Anyone interested in applying should attend community forums hosted by each organization in the fall. Dates and times for those meetings are to be determined.
Mental Health America of Indiana will provide the training.
About 30,000 Haitians live in Indianapolis, many residing on the east side; the same number of Burmese immigrants are largely concentrated on the south side. Both groups have faced cultural gaps and barriers to health care as they settle in the Circle City.
[With an increase in Haitian students, translators bridge gaps]
“Receiving a grant from OPHS to address mental health challenges in the Haitian community brings numerous benefits,” said Leonce Jean-Baptiste, a representative for the Haitian Association of Indiana. “(It) allows us to implement comprehensive programs, create support groups and counseling that raise awareness and educate residents about mental health, reducing stigma and promoting understanding.”
Naw Eh Phaw, a representative for the Burmese Community of North America agreed: “The knowledge gained, and the resources provided will not only bridge cultural gaps, but also empower us to address our needs and foster a healthier, more inclusive environment for all.”
Mirror Indy reporter Mary Claire Molloy covers health. Reach her at 317-721-7648 or email maryclaire.molloy@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @mcmolloy7.
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