Why Salud?
Salud began from the acknowledgement that there is work to do to bring forth mental health within our communities & own livelihoods. My name is Dr. Ricardo Camacho, a native of Chicago, Latino psychologist & mental health professional. I hold the belief that if we want to discuss topics openly & comfortably that we hold close to us, there's approaches to do so.
What is the background of Salud's founder?
I am a native to Chicago, Latino, psychologist & mental health professional. I graduated from DePaul & Loyola University with my B.A., M.Ed., Ed.S., Ed.D. degrees. With a doctorate in education & psychology. As a psychologist in schools, I have supported students through MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) that includes consulting, preventation initiatives, counseling, group therapy, family & community partnerships plus more. Being there for educators, students, & families when in need has taught me more than I can describe. The relationships I've made let me understand how valuable trust and understanding is needed to feel comfortable in talking about topics that can be a lot for us to carry. Recognizing how schools resemble our communities & city, I took a risk and believing in myself. Therefore, I wanted to contribute to the work happening in Chicago by having Salud be the catalyst in helping such conversations with our communities. Especially when we provide the essentials to make such hope a practical reality for our neighborhoods & communities. Doing so in a way that is accessible, modern, appropriate, culturally responsive & what distinguishes Salud, which is exciting! This is normalization. This is the power of Salud.
What are "Salud Conversations"?
"Salud" means health and cheers when we have a toast in Spanish. I created this because I often saw such powerful topics occur in trusting, safe, & welcoming environments. Where we feel recognized, appreciated, listened to & understood. "Salud Conversations" applies research & evidence-based approaches to do so within our communities to normalize such topics like mental health. As a Latino male, I feel that it is even more critical in leading such conversations such as a Latino, male, mental health professional, native to Chicago, & someone who understands the urgency for advocacy & funding of mental health services within the city of Chicago.
Where have Salud Conversations happened so far?
We have formally led conversations in Chicago neighborhoods (Pilsen, Brighton Park, Ashburn & more) & surrounding suburban communities like Oak Lawn, Franklin Park, & Wheeling since we began.
Why Support, Donate & Sponsor Salud?
If you or your organization believe our values align, we have an opportunity to center voices in our neighborhoods, communities & city. All proceeds go towards Salud's initiatives which are normalizing mental health through conversation, investing in the voices of historically marginalized communities & elevating the need to advocate for mental health services at all levels.