T7: Immigration Related Trauma and PTSD: Understanding the Mental Health Impact of Heightened Enforcement in North Carolina

Only available as part of a package

This session explores the mental health impact of heightened immigration enforcement on immigrant individuals and families in North Carolina. Participants will examine how chronic fear, risk of family separation, and systemic instability contribute to trauma-related symptoms, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and disruptions in family functioning. Grounded in trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice, this presentation will highlight common clinical presentations and offer practical strategies for assessment, engagement, and intervention. Ethical, advocacy-informed approaches to addressing systemic barriers will be discussed, along with strategies to support clinician resilience when working with communities experiencing ongoing stress.

Jairo Orellana, LCSW, MBA

Jairo Orellana, LCSW, MBA, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience across healthcare systems, community mental health, Medicaid and foster care programs, immigration-related behavioral health services, and private practice leadership. He holds both a Master of Social Work and an MBA, allowing him to integrate trauma-informed clinical care with systems thinking, ethics, and sustainability. Jairo has presented on trauma, burnout prevention, and provider resilience, supporting clinicians in maintaining effective and ethical practice within complex service environments.