Engaging Black and Latinx Communities in Building Capacity for Behavioral Health

Introduction: COVID-19 affected nearly every aspect of people’s lives worldwide. In the United States, the consequences of closures and quarantine increased stress, worry, isolation, and mental health and substance use problems, leading to behavioral health (BH) problems. These conditions were exacerbated among Black and Latinx populations by language barriers, lack of mental health access, shortage of mental health providers, inadequate or lack of insurance coverage, and the health care system’s unfamiliarity with Black and Latinx cultures and consequent Black and Latinx distrust in it. Methods: The purpose of this project was to engage with Black and Latinx populations; connect with existing networks of community stakeholders, health providers, and researchers to co-learn about patient-centered outcomes research; and build partnerships with those that work with the communities. The engagement process involved regular focus group meetings and interviews with key stakeholders. Results: The key study’s outcomes resulted from an alliance of patients, caregivers, family members, community, and other stakeholders who learned about behavioral health issues of concern while prioritizing a research agenda. Discussion: The community-based participatory research approach from our study helped guide and build capacity for future patient-centered research among Black and Latinx communities.