Hidalgo County provides more funding to train mental health professionals

MCALLEN, Texas - Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez has committed an additional $60,000 in American Rescue Funds to help HOPE Family Health Clinic build a larger network of mental health professionals.A press release from Cortez’s office says the health professionals will collaborate in, guide, and practice trauma therapy in order to “strengthen the skills of mental health professionals in Hidalgo County in order to address the trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic for individuals.”Roxanne Ramirez, executive director of HOPE Family Health Center, hosted a press conference to announced the news. Judge Cortez was slated to attend but could not make it. Ramirez thanked Cortez and Hidalgo County for providing funding for the training.The health professionals are learning a mental wellness technique known as EMDR therapy, Ramirez explained. The aim is to help non-profits better serve their clients in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.“So far, 50 mental health specialists affiliated with area school districts have completed their EMDR therapy certification and are already serving students on local campuses,” the press release stated. “Another 50 mental health professionals affiliated with local non-profits are registered to take advantage of this additional opportunity.”Ramirez said: “We received tremendous feedback from the first group of professionals who learned this technique and we are excited to offer this training to more mental health professionals."The press release from Cortez’s office said Hispanics were particularly hard hit by the pandemic, accounting for nearly one in four of the initial job losses. The press release said the latest training session represents a marriage of two Hidalgo County initiatives: the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force and the Hidalgo County Mental Health Coalition. “Both groups seek to assist low income residents, which make up as much as 40 percent of the population. The idea is to provide additional mental health services to those identified as suffering from recent trauma associated with the pandemic,” the release said.“We remain concerned about the mental wellness of all residents who lived through the trauma of the pandemic,” said Judge Cortez. Here is an audio interview with Ramirez, conducted by KRGV-TV and the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.