ABQ Times

Hundreds gathered at the National Hispanic Cultural Center to celebrate Tertulias, a peer support program sponsored by the University of New Mexico. The initiative aims to reduce social isolation, depression, and stress among Mexican immigrant women.

Janet Page-Reves, PhD, professor and vice chair for research at UNM's School of Medicine’s Department of Family & Community Medicine, expressed her satisfaction with the event turnout. “It was beyond awesome,” she said. "We had over 500 people show up and we didn't count children – so there were more people, really."

The event on October 19 included notable attendees from UNM Health Sciences leadership such as Patricia Finn, MD; Hengameh Raissy, PharmD; Jennifer Edgoose, MD, MPH; and Arthur Kaufman, MD.

Artwork created by project participants was displayed at the gala. The project is an R01 randomized controlled study funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Participants reported incomes below 250% of the federal poverty level and were fluent in Spanish.

As a result of this intervention, participants have experienced life changes including leaving domestic violence situations and becoming certified community health workers. Page-Reeves explained that Tertulias offered women a space to share experiences and build friendships while using their "funds of knowledge."

Creative projects like stories, drawings, paintings, photographs, recipes, and poetry were part of the project activities curated by nine Tertulias participants.

Lidia Regino served as research director for the study and main facilitator for weekly discussions held in Albuquerque’s International District. “We didn’t know what we would face,” she stated about these sessions which varied each week.

While topics discussed often remained lighthearted focusing on food or cultural celebrations, conversations sometimes turned serious. Regino shared that some women revealed experiences they hadn't previously discussed publicly including surviving sexual assault during migration journeys.

Regino highlighted how facilitators handled sensitive topics by guiding groups towards understanding and healing while offering further support when needed. Domestic violence emerged as a significant issue among participants leading facilitators to create safety protocols during sessions.

One participant inspired others after overcoming domestic violence herself; now helping connect other women with necessary resources emphasizing mutual support within their community network—“Everywhere you go," she said "'you have to come back for the rest.'"

Despite formal Zoom meetups ending many participants continue staying connected through WhatsApp forming what Regino describes as almost standalone entity among them—"Now," she noted "it’s very important.”