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Latino Initiatives. Regina Weitzman, MD, MS Por Tu Familia Chair. Latino Initiatives. Mission Statement To represent, involve and impact the Latino community through culturally relevant materials, targeted research and advocacy efforts. Vision Statement
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Latino Initiatives Regina Weitzman, MD, MS Por Tu Familia Chair
Latino Initiatives Mission Statement To represent, involve and impact the Latino community through culturally relevant materials, targeted research and advocacy efforts. Vision Statement Improving the quality of life by empowering Latinos to live free of diabetes.
Diabetes Statistics Among Latinos • The prevalence of diabetes is 1.7 times higher in Latinos than non-Latino whites. • 2.5 million or 9.5% of all Latino Americans aged twenty years or older have diabetes. • Approximately 24% of Mexican Americans in the United States and 26% of Puerto Ricans between the ages of 45-74 have diabetes. • Estimated that by 2020 44% of Latinos over 65 will have diabetes. • Source: Centers for Disease Control
Obesity & Latinas • Higher rates of Diabetes correlated to obesity among Mexican-American women. • However, overweight Hispanic women still more likely to have diabetes than overweight non-Hispanic women. • Another risk factor assumed to be genetic as incidence of non-insulin diabetes appears to be highest in Mexican-Americans with substantial Indian heritage. • Source: A Primer for Cultural Proficiency: Towards Quality Health Services for Hispanics; The National Alliance for Hispanic Health
Barriers to Care • Insurance Status for Latinos: • 23.11% (Medicaid) • 39.79% (Employer) • 2.84% (Individual) • 34.26% (Uninsured) • Lack of insurance is due in part to the fact that Hispanics are more likely than non-Hispanics to be employed in industries and jobs that do not provide health benefits. • Also, within the various industries, Hispanics are less likely than non-Hispanics to be offered health coverage by their employers. • Problems with language, transportation, child care, immigration status, or cultural differences act as further barriers to health care services. Source: US Dept. of Health & Human Services, www.4women.gov
Additional Barriers • Patients do not see diabetes link to heart attack and do not take diabetes seriously. • Changes in care are abrupt, which could lead to element of denial. • Diagnosis of diabetes may lead to repercussions (discrimination, loss of wages, etc.). • Socioeconomic: uninsured, and now confronted with expensive care.
The Association’s Latino Initiative Community-based Education Forums (8 health modules) Feria de Salud Conferencia
The Association’s Latino Initiative • Community Based Health Awareness: • Eight (8) Educational Modules (bilingual): • Power Over Diabetes • Everybody Dance for Your Health • Everybody Move for Your Health • Flavor in the Latino Kitchen • Something to Smile About • Stay in Touch • With Open Eyes • With All My Heart • Certificate of Appreciation – for trained PTF ambassadors • Community Outreach: • Spanish Catholic Charities • Proyecto Salud Clinic • Casa Ruby • Lions Club International • United Christian Ministries • Mary’s Center • La Clinica del Pueblo
Por Tu Familia Volunteer Ambassadors: • community members/leaders that are interested in being trained as volunteer ambassadors to conduct Diabetes educational workshops & Diabetes days in their communities. • Similar to “Health Promoters”, the goal is to conduct diabetes workshops at faith based organizations, schools or other community centers. • The program strives to empower members of the community by providing hands on, real life tips and techniques to make healthy choices such as moving more and eating healthier.
The Association’s Latino Initiative ¡ Gracias!