Building Hope Through Mental Health Collaboration

Mental health has been one of the most challenging issues for individuals and communities. In the Paso del Norte region, efforts to address mental and emotional well-being have grown significantly over the last decade thanks to the leadership of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation (PdNHF) and their community partners. In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Health Foundation is highlighting the people, partnerships, and programs that have shaped a healthier, more connected region — with mental health being one of its cornerstone initiatives.

Since launching its mental health initiative in 2014, the Health Foundation has supported work to reduce stigma, increase access to care, and build community-based systems that make navigating mental health resources easier. Through grant funding, convening efforts, and strategic investment, PdNHF has played a pivotal role in creating the infrastructure needed to support mental and emotional well-being across the region.

“The brain is one of the largest organs in the body, yet in primary care, emotional health often gets overlooked,” said Sharon Butterworth, a mental health advocate and founding chair of the El Paso Behavioral Health Consortium. “We’ve worked hard to change that — to integrate mental health into primary care and make it a priority.”

The El Paso Behavioral Health Consortium is a collaborative effort of local leaders, organizations, and healthcare providers, all focused on improving mental health services and outcomes. The Consortium has fostered trust and built partnerships that help individuals and families better access care without having to navigate complicated systems alone.

“Collaboration means that families don’t have to navigate the maze of seeking mental health services on their own,” said Sandra Day, Program Officer, Paso del Norte Health Foundation.

The Health Foundation’s leadership has also helped expand this model of collaboration beyond El Paso. Similar behavioral health consortia now exist in southern New Mexico and Ciudad Juárez, strengthening cross-border and tri-state efforts to improve access and continuity of care. Cathy Gaytan, CEO of the El Paso Child Guidance Center notes that PDNHF has been critical to their work. “Mental health challenges with children and families are complicated. It’s not easy, and we need lots of brains around the table,” she said.

That collaboration has paid off in critical moments. During the COVID-19 pandemic and after the tragic mass shooting in El Paso in 2019, local mental health organizations were able to respond quickly and in unison — something that many communities struggle to do. “Because of the relationships and systems we’ve built, we were able to come together quickly with informed data and community input to support those in need,” said Enrique Mata, Executive Director, PDN Center at the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute.

Another powerful example of the Foundation’s impact is its investment in Mental Health First Aid. This nationally recognized training equips community members, educators, and first responders with tools to recognize signs of mental illness and support those in crisis. The program has helped reduce stigma and build a more informed and responsive network of care.

Nicole Schiff, Executive Director of PDN Center of Hope reflected on the evolution she’s seen. “Historically, we’ve worked in silos. The Health Foundation has really helped us become partners in this work and bring us all together.”

That sense of unity is now embedded across the region. “We’re seeing silos fall apart, which is a really good thing,” said Rosie Medina, Chief Officer, Juvenile Probation. “If a challenge is too large for one agency, we now have others we can reach out to — professionals in the field who know where to turn.”

Today, more people in the region have access to mental health services than ever before. Through trusted collaborations and ongoing investment, the Health Foundation and its partners are moving the needle toward emotional wellness for all.

Looking ahead, the Health Foundation remains committed to fostering systems of care that support mental and emotional health. As part of its 30th anniversary campaign, it will continue to tell the stories of the people and partnerships behind the progress.

For those seeking help, the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 and connects individuals to trained crisis counselors. Local resources and mental health information can also be found by visiting pdnhf.org.

With continued collaboration and community support, the Health Foundation hopes to inspire a future where mental wellness is prioritized, accessible, and stigma-free for everyone.