At the recent Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) meeting, a powerful personal testimony highlighted the urgent need for improved mental health services in the state. Nubia Faizel, a member of the Parent Partnership Board, shared her journey from being a victim of domestic abuse to becoming a mental health professional, emphasizing the critical shortage of bilingual mental health providers in Oklahoma.

Faizel, who immigrated from Uruguay 30 years ago, recounted her struggles as a first-generation immigrant facing language barriers and a lack of support. After leaving an abusive marriage, she sought help but found it challenging to access mental health services, particularly those that catered to her language needs. "Finding a bilingual mental health provider will be nothing short of a miracle," she stated, underscoring the dire situation for many families in similar circumstances.

Her testimony revealed alarming statistics: Oklahoma has seen an 18% decrease in Spanish-speaking mental health providers over the past five years, despite a 42% growth in Hispanic families since 2010. Faizel urged the commission to advocate for solutions to the shortage of mental health providers, particularly for low-income families, immigrants, and those in rural areas. "Mental health services should not be a luxury or an unattainable dream," she asserted.

The meeting also touched on the broader implications of the pandemic, which has exacerbated the demand for mental health services, leading to long wait times and increased workloads for providers. Faizel's call to action resonated with attendees, as she emphasized the importance of identifying and reducing barriers to accessing quality, culturally appropriate mental health care.

As the meeting progressed, the commissioners expressed their appreciation for Faizel's story and the importance of the Parent Partnership Board's work. The discussions underscored a collective commitment to addressing mental health challenges in Oklahoma, with a focus on ensuring that all families have access to the support they need.