Stories

Alice Villatoro and Jasmin Llamas receive Whitham Grant to investigate social determinants of mental health.

Alice Villatoro (Assistant Professor, Public Health) and Jasmín Llamas (Associate Professor, Counseling Psychology) were awarded the Whitham Family Collaborative Grant to investigate how local organizations address social determinants of mental health.While social determinants, like housing and food insecurity, are strong predictors of mental distress, the practical mechanisms for addressing these needs at the local level are under-explored.

Building on Villatoro’s research on the social needs of Latiné communities, this mixed-methods project shifts the focus to frontline systems, examining the current strategies implemented and resource gaps identified by local clinics, mental health providers, community-based organizations, and faith-based settings across the South Bay. Their goal is to bridge the gap between public health priorities and practical, community-grounded interventions. The project will provide mentorship opportunities for one graduate and one undergraduate student. They will be trained in quantitative and qualitative methods, gaining experience in everything from IRB protocols to community engagement.

This work seeks to transform the landscape of mental health care. By centering the social and economic conditions that drive mental health and wellbeing, the project aims to establish a more responsive and integrated support system that dismantles long-standing mental health disparities and fosters sustainable health equity for Latine communities.