Wildfire Toolkit: Public & Mental Health
Source: Hispanic Access Foundation
Resource Type: Website or Webpage Article
Focus Population: BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), People experiencing Homelessness, People who have experienced Trauma, Youth, Youth of Transition Age
Topics: Culturally Specific Strengths and Resilience, Mental Health Treatment, Trauma-informed
Many Latinos lack adequate access to healthcare services due to a variety of reasons from being uninsured or underinsured, transportation, linguistic or cultural barriers and literacy, to mistrust of agencies or providers, or inappropriate and inadequate care and follow up. These challenges are exacerbated by emergencies such as wildfires, which lead to increased health risks. Smoke and air pollution from wildfires can aggravate existing health conditions such as asthma, chronic diseases, and disproportionately affect the young and elderly. It is important that communities, decision makers, organizations, and legislators understand the public and mental health risks disproportionately experienced by Latinos during and after a wildfire.