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Puentes Mentales

Puentes Mentales is a binational initiative co-led by SEAHEC, the UArizona Primary Prevention Mobile Health Unit (MHU) and Public Health Collaborative Research, Salvavision, and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). It addresses mental health disparities for refugees from Sasabe, Sonora, who are experiencing cartel violence yet lack access to adequate mental health support. Building on collective resources and institutional expertise, the program unites community health workers (CHWs), academic researchers, and students to deliver accessible mental healthcare. Through this collaborative framework, trained CHWs identify individuals in need during health fairs and routine screenings and connect them directly to virtual counseling services provided by UNAM. Working alongside nonprofit leaders, health advocates, and migrant populations, the initiative integrates telepsychology, outreach, and experiential learning to expand mental health access for migrants displaced by violence in Sasabe who are now residing in Tucson.

  • Dr. Sheila Soto, Principal Investigator (PI), Assistant Research Professor & Director of Community Engagement and Outreach
  • Dra. Silvia Morales Chainé, Profesora Titular / Coordinadora de los Centros de Formación y Servicios Psicológicos
  • Dora Rodriguez, Founder and Executive Director, Salvavision & Casa de la Esperanza
  • Gail Emrick & Brenda Sanchez: Southeast Arizona Health Education Center (SEAHEC)
  • Jill Guernsey De Zapien, Border, Transborder & Binational Public Health Collaborative Research, College of Public Health, University of Arizona