[Photo credit: Rachel Napear, Lowell MA City of Lights Parade]
Please join us for a conversation to better understand the behavioral health challenges impacting immigrant communities in Lowell, and how local nonprofits are providing effective linguistically and culturally competent care to the city’s diverse population. There are universal stressors that many face two years after the start the COVID-19 pandemic, including heightened levels of stress, rising inflation stretching budgets, and limited access to health services. Data shows certain communities, including those where people of color and immigrants reside, have been hit harder. But in many immigrant communities, there are also unique stigmas and biases against seeking behavioral health services. This is a significant issue in Lowell, a Gateway City with a majority-minority population comprised of many different communities. Yet, several groups have risen to the challenge and will offer their insights, perspectives, and proven methods for turning the tide.
At this session, physicians and school leaders with deep experience connecting with, and supporting, immigrant/refugee communities will provide an overview of the challenges they observe and the strategies they have adopted to address them. Some of the panelists will share their own personal experience as immigrants/refugees to further deepen the conversation.
Speakers include:
Dr. Diya Kallivayalil is a psychologist specializing in trauma-informed care and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School
Dr. Robert Marlin, Chief of the Lowell Community Health Center’s Metta Health Center