PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Adeline Zhao, Mental Health Counselor at Garden of Hope
1:12:12
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139 sec
Adeline Zhao, representing Garden of Hope and the Asian American Mental Health Roundtable, testified on the mental health challenges faced by Chinese immigrants in response to traumatic incidents. She emphasized the need for culturally competent mental health support and urged the city to prioritize working with Asian-led organizations to address the community's needs.
- Only 20.8% of Asian adults with mental illness received treatment in 2020, highlighting the urgent need for accessible services.
- Garden of Hope provided trauma recovery services to 1,071 adults and 317 children in 2023, with 94% of adult clients having limited English proficiency.
- Zhao stressed the importance of culturally specific, language-accessible services and trauma-informed care in effectively addressing mental health issues in diverse communities.
Adeline Zhao
1:12:12
Hi.
1:12:13
Hello.
1:12:15
Thank you to the members of committee, for holding this hearing and giving us the opportunity to testify.
1:12:21
My name is Adeline Zhao, and I serve as the mental health counselor at Garden of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to serving adults, seniors, youth, and the children affected by violence and providing culturally competent mental health services to Chinese communities.
1:12:35
And I am here today as a member of AAF's Asian American Mental Health Roundtable to highlight the mental health challenges faced by Chinese immigrants in response to traumatic incidents.
1:12:45
As the city considers the passage of introduction 1103, it is vital to recognize the urgent need for culturally competent mental health support.
1:12:54
Violent events leave lasting emotional scars, leading to anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorders.
1:13:01
However, many Chinese communities remain unaware of available resources due to stigma, language barriers, and the mistrust of institutions.
1:13:10
And in fact, only 20.8% of Asian adults with mental illness received the treatment in 2020.
1:13:17
At Garden Hope, we've seen firsthand how culturally specific language accessible services make a difference.
1:13:23
In 2023, we provided trauma recovery services to a 10 71 adults and 317 children, with a 94% of adult clients having limited English proficiency.
1:13:35
Our team of 21 bilingual staff members delivers culturally competent mental health services that break down barriers and promote well-being.
1:13:43
Trauma impacts individuals differently depending on age, culture, and personal history.
1:13:48
It is essential that mental health resources reflect the diversity.
1:13:52
Councilors trained in trauma informed care and cultural competency can provide a more effective response, particularly in multilingual contexts.
1:14:01
The city must prioritize working with Asian led, Asian serving organizations, such as our roundtable partners, to ensure the cultural and the linguistic needs of Asian community are met through introduction 1103.
1:14:14
In conclusion, I urge community to prioritize investment in mental health outreach, expand access to trauma specific counseling, and foster community partnerships that empower resilience.
1:14:26
And together, I believe that we can mitigate the long term impact of violence and foster hope and healing.
1:14:31
Thank you.
