What is it about?
This article highlights the unique challenges undocumented and mixed-status Latinx families faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a social determinants of health framework, the authors examine four major stressors: anti-immigrant rhetoric, family disruptions, financial instability, and limited access to healthcare. The paper also explores the mental health consequences of these stressors and offers recommendations for culturally informed mental health services, emphasizing resilience and community-based solutions.
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Why is it important?
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted marginalized communities, and undocumented Latinx families experienced compounded stressors and systemic barriers. This research brings attention to the urgent need for equitable mental health services and policies tailored to the unique experiences of these families. By identifying culturally relevant strategies, the study provides a roadmap for improving mental health outcomes and reducing disparities in access to care.
Perspectives
This study underscores the critical need to address the sociopolitical and environmental factors that shape the health and well-being of undocumented Latinx families. The challenges these families face are not just individual but systemic, stemming from policies and societal conditions that marginalize them. By focusing on these broader determinants of health, we aim to inform interventions and policies that not only provide immediate relief but also promote long-term equity. Our hope is that this work inspires actionable change to dismantle barriers and foster environments where all families can thrive.
Dr. Alejandro L. Vázquez
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Implications of Undocumented Status for Latinx Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Call to Action, Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, January 2023, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2022.2158837.
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