The purpose of the Mental Health Access for Refugees and Immigrants (MHARI) project is to provide access through community outreach, to education and referral services for mental health for Somali immigrants and refugees, ages 18 and older, in Nashville, Davidson County. To increase awareness about mental illness among the Somali population, MHARI uses translated copies of existing mental health educational materials, covering topics such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychotic disorders, and domestic violence. The educational materials are distributed at three Mutual Assistance Associations (MAAs), Cornerstone Community Mental Health Centers, Inc., and at local gathering places such as mosques, refugee businesses, and local provider agencies. Community access cable programs produced in the language of the target population, feature the project and provide information and education on mental health. Community meetings are held to educate residents on the signs and symptoms of mental illness, types of treatment, and availability of services, including interpreters. MHARI coordinates referrals of individuals to mental health services, by providing information about bilingual/bicultural services available at three MAAs, distributing mental health educational materials at refugee resettlement centers and other refugee assistance programs, and developing outreach strategies through focus groups. Three cultural awareness gatherings for Centerstone staff are held each year. Interpreters trained in mental health issues are used to assist in clinical sessions and community education sessions.
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