Mecklenburg County Manager Dena R. Diorio has been acknowledged for her dedication and leadership in supporting the Hispanic and Latino community, a commitment that reflects the heart of partnership in our diverse county. In a special recognition, Diorio was honored with the El Camino Campeon Leadership Award for her work alongside Camino, according to an announcement on the Mecklenburg County's news page. Camino is a bilingual, multicultural nonprofit, which operates a health center and other resources aimed at fostering growth and well-being within this vibrant demographic.
Under Diorio's guidance, Mecklenburg County has invested significantly in resources that directly benefit the Hispanic and Latino residents, resulting to an allocation of over $2 million since 2016 for health services in collaboration with Camino and provided a dedicated $4.7 million to bolster the nonprofit's comprehensive dental services center, "Camino is a trusted partner for Mecklenburg County," Diorio said to Mecklenburg County, expressing her honor about the recognition but emphasizing her deeper pride regarding their collaborative efforts which includes not only healthcare and dental care; it also extends to providing mental health counseling support, all under the umbrella of what's developed into a multi-faceted service campus helmed by Camino.
Further showcasing the County's commitment, an additional $2.5 million was funneled through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding specifically targeting mental health services, including group and individual counseling. Through these efforts, Diorio and the County administration are helping to pave pathways toward economic mobility and education among the Hispanic and Latino communities, building a foundation of support that is critical for inclusive growth and prosperity.
Camino’s far-reaching impact is evident through the range of services it offers which encompasses not just a health and dental services center, but extends to include an economic mobility program, thrift store, church, a research institute, and educational services—cast a wide net over the needs of the community and rising admirably to meet them.
