We have two Regional Behavioral Health Authorities working to improve and protect mental health along the border. Cenpatico and Community Partnership of Southern Arizona (CPSA) offer specialized programs to help combat substance abuse and prevent suicide as well as to help those with behavioral health issues.  

One of the CPSA-sponsored prevention activities near the border includes substance abuse and suicide prevention. Providers work with youth and families, behavioral health providers and first responders in the communities of Sahuarita, Amado, and on the Tohono O’odham Nation.  In addition, prevention work with populations similar to border populations has been conducted with the south side communities of Tucson. 

Another prevention program involves life skills training with 18 at-risk youth through the Southern Arizona Aids Foundation.  The drug-free community effort serves 300 residents in the town of Amado in partnership with the Pima County Community Prevention Coalition and 25 participants in the Youth Empowered for Success program at Tohono O’odham High School with Child and Family Resources and Arizona Youth Partnership. 

In collaboration with Campesinos sin Fronteras in Yuma County, Cenpatico has recruited and trained 4 promotores (Health Outreach Workers) to facilitate “placticas” in public places like community centers, libraries and in community members’ homes.  These “placticas” range in subject matters like diabetes and depression, the importance of managing your blood pressure.