In honor of national latino behavioral health association scholarship recipients

Floor Speech

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Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to
recognize the National Latino Behavioral Health Association Scholarship
Recipients for their commitment to promoting the health and well-being
of the members of their communities as they pursue a college degree in
behavioral health.

The National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA) was
established to strengthen the national voice for Latinos in the
behavioral health arena and to bring attention to the great disparities
that exist in areas of access, utilization, practice based research,
and adequately trained personnel. The NLBHA Scholarship provides
financial resources and mentorships to students to achieve their goal
of college graduation. This year, the NLBHA Scholarship Luncheon
recognizes the scholastic achievements of eleven students working
toward a degree in behavioral health with a commitment to serving the
communities of New Mexico.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, it is an honor to support these
young Hispanic students as they embark on their journey in higher
education. I commend their dedication to addressing the great
disparities that exist in the areas of funding, access, and quality of
care for Hispanics needing professional mental health and substance
abuse services. And while I applaud NLBHA's efforts to recruit and
support Hispanics dedicated to behavioral health, and to the students
pursuing higher education with the goal of supporting the behavioral
needs of New Mexico, I congratulate them on receiving the NLBHA
Scholarship and wish them luck in their college and future endeavors.

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