CLEVELAND: The Ohio Hispanic Social Service Workers Association and National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Cleveland have will host a conference, “Healing the Mind & Spirit,” on Saturday, April 28, 2007 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hispanic Youth Center, 3146 Scranton Rd., Cleveland.

“It is critical for Latinos and medical professionals who work with this community to build a better understanding of the perceptions of mental health and build culturally relevant services in order to move past the barriers,” said Nereida Díaz, president of OHSSWA.

Professionals who attend the conference can earn two Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for their participation in two workshops. Additionally, two sessions will be offered to members of the Latino community.  Community resources and contacts will be provided.

This event is free and open to the public.  Free parking is available. Refreshments will be provided.  For more information, to RSVP, or to purchase a booth, call Nereida Díaz (216) 459-1222 (Spanish) or Lynette Loury (216) 875-0266.

The OHSSWA Association was formally established in March 1987, and is devoted to advocate and develop provisions to maintain the culturally relevant services to the Latino community and its neighbors. NAMI GC is dedicated to empowering persons affected by mental illness and their family members to achieve a better quality of life by providing them with mutual support, practical information, referral, advocacy, and educational resources. NAMI GC is teaming up with OHSSWA to bring information, education and programs to the Latino community.