Psychology professor concludes Latino Needs Assessment for Richmond

By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University psychology professor Rosalie Corona, Ph.D., recently completed a Latino Needs Assessment in the city of Richmond that will help health and human service providers better serve a growing Latino population.

“Our collaboration with the Latino community has provided us with important information regarding the health of Latinos in Richmond,” Corona said.

Corona worked with the city’s Hispanic Liaison Office and the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority on the assessment, which will boost understanding of the health and safety concerns and service needs of Latino children and their families.

Richmond’s Latino population is increasing rapidly. U.S. Census Bureau figures show the city’s Latino population grew 167 percent between 1990 and 2000. Health and human service agencies have struggled to offer culturally responsive services for Latino residents. The assessment offers a summary of existing services and recommendations for improvement.

Those participating in the assessment identified safety, mental health/substance abuse and inter-ethnic concerns as top issues.

The Richmond Hispanic Liaison Office, the Clark-Hill Institute for Positive Youth Development at VCU and the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority will the assessment to guide future planning processes and services.

To review the entire Latino Needs Assessment in English or Spanish, visit www.clarkhill.org.