Perceptions Regarding Access to Social and Mental Health Services in a Rural Community in Southern New Mexico

Introduction: Rural communities in the US encounter lack of opportunities such as large distances from health and learning services, public transportation, food deserts, scarcity of social and mental health services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate (Aguilar-Gaxiola, Loera, Mendez, et. al, 2012).  Additionally these communities embrace 85% of this country’s poverty. Rural areas include a high percentage of English-language learners and minority children in middle and high schools. Suicide among adolescents is approximately double in rural communities that in urban settings (Fontanella, Hiance-Steelesmith, Phillips, et. al, 2015). Furthermore, substance use/abuse and overdoses are higher in rural communities increasing the vulnerability of its residents. Nevertheless, this paper examines the involvement of local community leaders, parents and caregivers addressing barriers by emphasizing strengths and bringing together resources to invest in their youth future.    

Methods: Participants were recruited through a leader and promotora from a rural colonia in Southern NM. Participants included 15 adult and 15 adolescent, men and women. They participated in a 6-month community garden project in their local community. Participants engaged in-group discussions following a semi-structure questionnaire including questions related to their experiences living in a rural community and access to services. There were a total of 6 group discussions of 60 to 90 minutes each, 3 with adolescents and 3 with adults. The group voice recordings were transcribed and followed grounded theory techniques for the analysis.

Results: Adult participants were first-generation of Latino immigrants from Mexico. Adolescents were second generation Latinos. Adults were 45 to 92 years old and adolescents 12 to 18. Participants reported high incidents of mental health issues including substance use/abuse and overdoses in the community, middle and high schools. Adolescents reported about the lack of empathy and interest from the teachers. The adults spoke about their concerns regarding new availability of drugs such as alcohol in powder and how adolescents are not a priority in their community. Another main issue discussed by the two groups is the misconception of mental health. Both groups communicated about the stigma of being “loco” and the resistance to seek services. At the same time they discussed different venues to engage people without shaming. The two groups mentioned education as the main tool to increase awareness about mental health and for adolescents to learn the consequences of substance use. Also adolescents talked about the lack of activities after school and the need of a place or program to engage in healthy activities. Participants in the community garden were able to voice their concerns and learn about community needs and resources within their community.

Discussion and Implications: Communities create their own identity by combining their capital/assets including their human, social and cultural capital. Rural communities gather their strengths to empower the youth and adults by connecting them with their local resources. Social workers need to advocate increasing social and mental health services for rural communities emphasizing substance use. Also social workers can be a link/brokers between policy writers in the social services to address the particular needs in rural communities.