On June 22, APA Services staff conducted an advocacy training and discussion session for 13 Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) fellows participating in the Psychology Summer Institute. The advocacy training was part of a weeklong program for the fellows who came from a broad range of states including New York, Maryland, Hawaii, California, Texas, and Massachusetts. It included an overview about how the federal government works and advice on how to advocate on Capitol Hill. Following the training, the fellows met with the office of Representative Nanette Barragan (D-California), who chairs of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, to advocate for increased funding for MFP.
During the meeting with Barragan’s office, the fellows shared their experiences with MFP. Several fellows are first generation college students who are now working toward their doctoral degrees, and used the time with Barragan’s office to explain how MFP funding has helped them afford their education and provided them with valuable professional development opportunities. They explained how increased funding for the program would allow more students like themselves to access these opportunities and expand access to culturally competent mental and behavioral healthcare providers. Barragan’s office was receptive to their message and will continue working with APA Services to increase funding for the program.
APA Services has prioritized advocating for increased funding for MFP for many years. The program serves a dual purpose to both increase the number of people of color that are mental health professionals and increase access to mental health services in underserved areas. MFP provides funding for the training, career development, and mentoring of mental and behavioral health professionals to work with people of color. The program also focuses on training students, postdoctoral fellows, and residents to be culturally and linguistically competent to adequately address the mental health needs of underserved communities. It funds trainees in psychology, nursing, social work, psychiatry, professional counseling, and marriage and family therapy. Strong barriers for people of color to access mental health services continue to persist and MFP is essential to ensure there are culturally competent behavioral health professionals, as they are key to improving health care outcomes for underserved communities.
To learn more about the program or apply for a fellowship visit the MFP webpage or contact Serena Dávila.
For more information, contact: Serena Dávila.