A report recently released found mental health care in the Asian American community severely lacking, reports the Alhambra Source.
The report by the California Department of Mental Health Reducing Disparities Project blames a lack of access, language barriers, and a cultural stigma against seeking care..
The consequences can be deadly.
Tony Nim was shot and killed by Alhambra, CA police in May after brandishing a knife. His family said he suffered from mental illness.
In 2o12, a schizophrenia patient was shot and killed by sheriff deputies at the Pacific Clinics Asian Family Center in Rosemead, CA after deputies said he charged at them with a hammer.
“If we offer multilingual services, the result of these police involved tragedies will be very different,” Rep Judy Chu (D-CA) said.
You can read more about the urgent need for language services in the Alhambra Source.