[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 138 (Thursday, September 24, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF NATIONAL LATINO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP 
                               RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BEN RAY LUJAN

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2015

  Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the National Latino Behavioral Health Association Scholarship 
Recipients for their commitment to promoting the health and well-being 
of the members of their communities as they pursue a college degree in 
behavioral health.
   The National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA) was 
established to strengthen the national voice for Latinos in the 
behavioral health arena and to bring attention to the great disparities 
that exist in areas of access, utilization, practice based research, 
and adequately trained personnel. The NLBHA Scholarship provides 
financial resources and mentorships to students to achieve their goal 
of college graduation. This year, the NLBHA Scholarship Luncheon 
recognizes the scholastic achievements of eleven students working 
toward a degree in behavioral health with a commitment to serving the 
communities of New Mexico.
   During Hispanic Heritage Month, it is an honor to support these 
young Hispanic students as they embark on their journey in higher 
education. I commend their dedication to addressing the great 
disparities that exist in the areas of funding, access, and quality of 
care for Hispanics needing professional mental health and substance 
abuse services. And while I applaud NLBHA's efforts to recruit and 
support Hispanics dedicated to behavioral health, and to the students 
pursuing higher education with the goal of supporting the behavioral 
needs of New Mexico, I congratulate them on receiving the NLBHA 
Scholarship and wish them luck in their college and future endeavors.

                          ____________________