Our Hispanic Federation, in collaboration with community organizations specializing in health issues and pharmaceutical companies, is part of Taking Action for Our Health. The goal of this initiative is to reduce health disparities in Latino communities.
“An important component of this collaborative effort,” explains Maria Lugo, Senior Director of Programs at Federation Health, “is the website www.takingactionforourhealth.org, where you can get information and references to very useful resources for our people to stay in good health.”
The content of the website is presented in Spanish and English and – not to brag – is very well designed, in a very accessible format that makes it possible to navigate from one topic to another almost intuitively. With language easily understood by all Hispanics of any national origin, the text and illustrations help to better understand the risks that each person has of suffering from serious and frequent medical conditions in our community.
“People who consult http://www .takingactionforourhealth.org”, adds María, “can obtain, for example, data and guidance on cancer and diabetes screening, and on cardiology and emotional health screenings.”
When someone selects a specific topic, such as cancer screening, and is presented with information about cancer in general, colorectal, breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, which are the most common and serious cancers in our community . People who want to learn more about cancer in the Hispanic population can get more information through a link to the American Cancer Society. And if you want to learn more about screening tests for a particular type of cancer, or find out where and how you can get medical care, the Taking Action for Our Health website makes it possible to search by simply entering the postal code or zip code. And this applies not only to cancer but also to the other conditions mentioned.
“Many and many members of our community”, adds Maria, “they lived and live difficult times that have generated very high levels of stress and anxiety. What we propose is that they organize talks in small groups to discuss the subject with friends, family and neighbors, which will surely be of great help”.
For that, in www.takingactionforourhealth.org there is a section called Coffee and Chocolate Conversations in which it is explained in the form detailed how to organize and coordinate these talks.
I take this opportunity to thank City of Hope, Elevance Health and Pfizer, our allies in Taking Action for Our Health.
Finally, I remind you that Puerto Rico needs our help and that you can collaborate with our efforts on the island by visiting our website, hispanicfederation.org.
Also, always You can call our bilingual line at 1-866-HF-AYUDA, or 1-866-432-9832 or find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Let’s celebrate together th anniversary of the Hispanic Federation, and until the next column!