About Us
To reach out to the growing Hispanic/Latino population, and prevent substance abuse in their communities, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the US Department of Health and Human Services established the Hispanic/Latino Initiative. They involved the community in the development of a variety of culturally-appropriate materials for various segments of the target population.
SAMHSA's Hispanic/Latino Initiative has released two sets of materials. Phase I is aimed at parents, children and community leaders, and Phase II is targeted to Latinas ages 9-14 and their mothers and caregivers.
PHASE I - Hablemos en Confianza
The Hablemos en Confianza public education initiative includes 12 communication materials designed to encourage and strengthen dialogue between Spanish-speaking Hispanic/Latino parents and their children about the dangers of substance abuse. To order these materials click here.
PHASE II - ¡Soy Unica! ¡Soy Latina!
The ¡Soy Unica! ¡Soy Latina! bilingual public education initiative is designed to help young Latinas, and their mothers and other caregivers, enhance their self-esteem, mental health, decision-making and assertiveness skills, and prevent the harmful consequences of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs.
The ¡Soy Unica! ¡Soy Latina! interactive, bilingual Web site offers activities that help Latinas explore who they are, where they come from, where they are going, and what makes them unique! To visit this site click here and to order materials, click here.
We are honored to have former Surgeon General Dr. Antonia Novello, and Florida First Lady, Mrs. Columba Bush as Madrinas, or spokespersons for the ¡Soy Unica! ¡Soy Latina! initiative. As two of the highest profile Latinas in the country, Mrs. Bush and Dr. Novello symbolize the potential of the Hispanic community, and provide excellent role models for Latina girls.