CHULA VISTA, Calif. — The Uvalde shooting is impacting us all, but for many in our Hispanic communities, it's even harder, as the vast majority of victims were Hispanic.
"Like many folks in our community, it's been really hard for me. I haven’t slept a lot the last couple of days," said San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas.
Like many people, Supervisor Vargas is shocked and saddened by Tuesday's shooting. But, she said for her and others in the Hispanic community, that pain is much more personal.
"I look at these babies and I think about my nieces, my goddaughters. Over 70% of that community is Latino. It could be our kids from San Ysidro, our kids from Chula Vista."
Supervisor Vargas said far too often, Latinos are scared to ask for help dealing with certain issues, including mental health, either because they're worried their immigration status will put them in jeopardy of getting deported, or there’s a language barrier, or they don't know where to start.
For that reason, she's asked local organizations that often serve San Diego's Hispanic population to come together to offer support in light of this tragedy.
The Chicano Federation is one of those organizations.
"They can come here and we can help them access mental health resources. They can come here and we can talk to them about any sort of childcare options they may have. We'll sit with you and help you find any sort of appointment or anything you really need," said Lupe Flores, Director of Engagement and Impact.
Flores said while those services are offered year-round, and in most cases, for free, now may be the time to take advantage of them. And if they can't help, they'll connect you with another organization that can.
"We don't process grief in the same way. Everyone handles it differently and that's ok," said Flores.
“Let's let our families here in San Diego know that we have services and resources so that they know they're not alone. Let's make sure they have what they need because we need to heal together,” said Vargas.
For information about the Chicano Federation, click here.
Additional Resources:
Access & Crisis Line (ACL): 1-888-724-7240 ACL provides over the phone free, confidential counseling and community resources 7 days a week/24 hour a day to individuals struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, loss, anger and more. This resource is also available to family members and/or friends who are concerned about someone or professionals seeking resources for their clients.
2-1-1: Call 211 or visit 211SanDiego.org: An Information & Referral Specialist will navigate you through your situation by assessing your needs and matching you to the best resources in your community.
County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services (BHS): Visit https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/hhsa/programs/bhs/. This website provides resources and information for general management of behavioral health and also offers suggestions for coping with COVID-19. BHS offers information and resources for individuals, behavioral/mental health professionals, and caregivers.
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