Local

New partnership gets rid of language, financial barriers to offer care to Hispanic residents

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — In Florida, the battle to seek mental health care is not only a language barrier for some, but also a financial one.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Thanks to some grant money, Hispanic community groups are teaming up to give people the care they need at Pan American Behavioral Health, regardless of language, transportation, money or immigration.

The partnership between Pan American Behavioral Health and the Hispanic Advocacy Group, Hablamos Espanol Florida, will allow people for the next three years to schedule appointments through Pan American for everything from mental health services, case management and substance abuse.

READ: Ongoing baby formula shortage highlights racial disparities

If transportation to the Orlando office is an issue, they’ll be going to churches and offering virtual appointments as well.

The partnership is funded by grant money from the National Institutes of Health.

READ: Polk County RV park owner accused of discriminating against transgender woman

While this grant is only for those in Orange and Osceola counties, it is available to people whether they’re immigrants or not.

READ: Central Florida paying respects to Orlando civil rights leader

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.