Leaders at the Fresno Center are celebrating $1.5 million in federal funding secured by Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno). The money will support and expand:

• mental health services, HIV and hepatitis prevention;
• treatment for substance use disorders;
• transportation services;
• and the hiring of behavioral health providers.

Fresno Center officials report a severe lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services in the San Joaquin Valley, especially in the 93727 zip code, which is the heart of where many immigrants and refugees have re-settled from their home countries.

Many of them experience high rates of mental health issues, such as depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and low rates of mental health service utilization due to accessibility.