The American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF) and Hispanic Access Foundation announced a new collaboration focused on expanding culturally responsive mental health education, public awareness, and leadership development within Hispanic and faith-based communities.
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to promoting mental health awareness, expanding access to trusted, culturally responsive resources, and supporting mentorship and professional development efforts that reflect the needs and values of the communities served. The collaboration brings together the APA Foundation’s public education and workforce initiatives with Hispanic Access’s deep community and faith-based networks.
Hispanic Access brings established regional markets, cultural expertise in Hispanic health care needs, and trusted relationships with faith leaders and community organizations. APAF contributes physician-developed mental health education, Spanish-language public resources, and national initiatives aimed at improving mental health literacy and well-being across community settings.
A key component of the collaboration is APAF’s Mental Health Care Works campaign, a public education initiative that promotes accurate, accessible mental health information for individuals, families, and frontline professionals. APAF and Hispanic Access Foundation will explore opportunities to expand the reach of these resources through culturally grounded outreach and trusted community networks, including long-standing partnerships with community and faith leaders.
The partnership also creates opportunities for collaboration around mentorship, leadership development, and workforce pathways, including APAF fellowship and ambassador programs that support the future mental health workforce.
“This collaboration reflects the APA Foundation’s commitment to meeting communities where they are — especially through trusted faith-based and community networks,” said Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq., executive director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation. “By combining our Mental Health Care Works public education campaign, physician-developed Spanish-language resources, and workforce development programs with Hispanic Access’s deep community and faith engagement, we are building a collaboration that supports mental health awareness, leadership development, and long-term impact.”
“This collaboration with the APA Foundation strengthens our ability to advance culturally grounded mental health education within Hispanic and faith-based communities. Together, we are expanding access to trusted resources, elevating conversations around mental health, and supporting pathways for leadership and mentorship that reflect the communities we serve,” said Maite Arce President and CEO of the Hispanic Access Foundation.
Planned areas of collaboration may include shared outreach around Spanish-language mental health resources, coordination on public awareness efforts such as 988 crisis line education, input on national campaigns, participation in educational events, and increased visibility for faith-informed mental health tools.
Together, APAF and Hispanic Access aim to support communities with trusted information, reduce stigma around mental health, and strengthen systems of care through education, and leadership development.
Hispanic Access Foundation
Hispanic Access Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that develops and connects Latino leaders to strengthen communities and drive lasting change nationwide. While Latinos are shaping the nation’s future, they remain underrepresented in the systems that determine opportunity, decision-making, and investment. Hispanic Access walks alongside community leaders to build confidence, strengthen networks of trust, and expand access to systems of power. Through our Engage → Equip → Connect → Act → Influence approach and regional networks of leaders moving together, communities gain the infrastructure needed for effective collective action. By 2035, Hispanic Access will equip and connect 10,000 leaders to impact decisions affecting 10 million Latinos. Learn more at www.hispanicaccess.org.