Omaha to join other U.S. cities, Mexico to co-sponsor Bi-National Health Week Oct. 13-18

Because millions of Mexican immigrants rely on the American health system for their daily needs, a group of Omaha health providers and social service agencies are sponsoring an annual Bi-National Health Week, Oct. 13-18.

Various issues are highlighted through a week of education, screenings and fun for the entire family. (See detailed list below). The schedule of events can be found at www.unmc.edu. Click “News,” then “News Releases.”

The collaboration began 18 years ago between Mexico and California, but has spread across America with the growth of Mexican immigration. This year, the week is expected to provide health-related interventions to at least 250,000 people in 24 states.

Locally, Bi-National Health Week activities are scheduled in Omaha. Special emphasis will be placed on Mexican-origin and other Latino immigrants as well as low-income and underserved populations regardless of citizenship. However, all activities and screenings are open to the public.

This year, the programming will focus on autism, prenatal care, early childhood care, cancer, diabetes, nutrition, obesity, emergency preparedness, blood pressure, cholesterol, immunizations and infectious diseases (sexually transmitted diseases /HIV/tuberculosis). Outreach activities will include enrolling eligible people in existing health programs and offering bi-lingual guides to insurance and public benefits programs.

“Improving the health care of our neediest citizens benefits the well-being our community,” said David Grandison, M.D., Ph.D., director, UNMC Center for Reducing Health Disparities. “This is a great opportunity to provide health information, services and community engagement within South Omaha’s diverse minority population and the metropolitan area.”

“We know that Mexicans are more prone to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancers,” Enrique Lopez-Reyes, coordinator of the Institute for Mexicans Abroad at the Mexican Consulate in Omaha. “In addition, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infections have risen among the immigrant population. These health issues must be addressed to improve the overall health of our community. It is critical for us to provide preventable screenings, health information and access to the local health system,” said

Sponsoring organizations include: South Omaha Community Care Council, Nebraska AIDS Project, UNMC Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Alegent Health, One World Community Health Center, The Nebraska Medical Center, Creighton University Medical Center, El Perico newspaper, UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, Planned Parenthood, UNMC Mobile Nursing Center, Latino Center for the Midlands, UNMC Community Health Center, Metropolitan Community College – South Campus, American Red Cross, La Preciosa 1180 AM, Boys Town Pediatrics, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Nebraska Health and Human Services, Nebraska State Minority Health Council, Douglas County Health Department, Methodist College, Metro OBGYN, Radio Lobo 97.7 FM, Consulate of Mexico and the Institute of Mexicans Abroad.

-30-