earmarks: 4

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id fiscal_year chamber member_name member_last member_first bioguide_id party state district subcommittee recipient recipient_normalized project_description recipient_address amount_requested
4 2022 House Alma Adams Adams Alma A000370 Democrat NC   Labor HHS Camino Behavioral Health Services Renovations, Charlotte, NC, Mecklenburg County, NC-12 CAMINO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES RENOVATIONS, CHARLOTTE, NC, MECKLENBURG COUNTY, NC-12 Latinos experience disproportionate rates of social and economic disadvantages, increasing the risk for mental and physical health issues yet lack access to affordable, culturally competent, bilingual healthcare services. Latinos have also been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic physically, emotionally, and financially, further amplifying health disparities that already exist. The unemployment rate among US Latinos rose sharply due to the economic shutdown caused by the pandemic. According to research conducted at Camino, 77% of Latino immigrant households experienced a drop in household income, 64% had a member of their household lose a job, and 88% experienced financial stress directly related to the pandemic. This financial stress, combined with health concerns and social isolation, can lead to, or exacerbate existing mental health issues; 89% of Latino immigrants experienced stress related to COVID and 88% reported COVID-19 directly impacted their mood. Data from the Behavioral Health staff shows patients’ mental health has been affected by the pandemic as they worry about their finances, health, future, and fears of eviction. The COVID-19 pandemic further illustrates the relationship between financial security and mental health as poverty is a significant indicator of mental health issues. Latinos living below the poverty level are twice as likely to report psychological distress compared to Hispanics above twice the poverty level (USDHHS, 2017). If Latinos are falling deeper into poverty due to the pandemic, it is highly probable that more Latinos are developing mental health issues and, thus, in need of mental health services.Expanding Camino’s Behavioral Health program benefits not only the Latino immigrant population, but the local economy of Mecklenburg County. Many Latinos in Charlotte are essential workers vital to the operation of numerous services provided to the general population, including restaurants, cleaning services, and construction. Much of the Latino immigrant population in Charlotte helped build the city into what it is today, constructing numerous buildings all over the county. Individuals with better mental health outcomes are less likely to miss work and more like to work efficiently. Providing culturally competent and affordable mental health services to Latino community members also promotes better physical health, decreasing the use of other healthcare services, including hospitals and emergency rooms. 131 Stetson Dr. Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28262 184000