Date

5-2024

Document Type

Capstone Project (Campus-Only Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Department

Health, Human Services and Public Policy

Major

Collaberative Health and Human Services

Abstract

To tackle limited mental health care utilization among low-income Hispanic families, Youth Alliance (YA) in Hollister, California organized the first Feria de Salud event. YA's mission is to empower youth, especially those aged 12 to 18, in Hollister and neighboring areas like San Juan Bautista, with a focus on the Hispanic community. The Feria de Salud event was a pivotal initiative aimed at raising awareness and bridging gaps in access to mental health services for adults within this community. The event served as a platform for organizations and businesses to engage with a demographic that they may struggle to connect with otherwise. Through a strategic combination of informational sessions, workshops, and community-building activities, the event endeavored to equip attendees with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to prioritize their mental well-being and practice effective self-care techniques. Findings from the event's evaluation underscored its effectiveness in achieving its objectives, with 65 attendees reporting significant gains in mental health awareness and self-care knowledge. The event's impact goes beyond Hispanics, benefiting individuals from other minority backgrounds as well, with the resources and support offered. Moving forward, recommendations for enhancing the event's reach and impact include securing a larger venue with dedicated spaces for workshops, extending the event's duration to accommodate more comprehensive programming, and securing funding for meals and raffle prizes to further incentivize community participation.

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