UNMC to co-sponsor Bi-National Health Week







Translation and breakfast information



Dr. Jose Alejandro Almaguer Gonzalez’s lecture titled “Complementary/Traditional Medicine: A Global Perspective,” will be presented in Spanish. The first 100 people to attend will receive headsets that will provide an English translation of the seminar. Also, a continental breakfast will be available before Dr. Almaguer’s seminar.



Bi-National Health Week spotlights the culture and health needs of the Hispanic population. It began as a partnership between California and Mexico 17 years ago. It has now expanded into 24 states, including Nebraska.

UNMC is co-sponsoring Omaha-area activities, which run Oct. 15-20. Some of the events include a panel discussion on tobacco prevention, wellness, exercise and nutrition information, as well as a forum with the Omaha Police Department on domestic violence, gangs and drug use.

Bi-National Health Week begins Monday with Latino AIDS awareness day and a proclamation from Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey.

One of the week’s highlights at UNMC will be a Tuesday lecture by Jose Alejandro Almaguer Gonzalez, M.D., of Mexico City, titled “Complementary/Traditional Medicine: A Global Perspective.” The lecture will be in the Durham Research Center auditorium from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Continuing education credit is available.

Dr. Almaguer is the director of traditional medicine and intercultural development for the Secretary of Health and the health advisor for the Latin-American parliament. His lecture will provide information for health professionals on understanding the unique health concerns of Hispanics.

“Western societies view disease differently from other cultures,” said Aura Whitney-Jackson, UNMC’s community liason for south Omaha. “Having an understanding of a holistic approach to disease management and prevention will enable us to better serve people in our community.”

“We are trying to reduce and eliminate health disparities,” said David Grandison, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UNMC Center for Reducing Health Disparities. “This is a great forum to provide health information, services and community engagement within the south Omaha and Hispanic populations.”

The week culminates in a health fair Saturday, Oct. 20 at Metro Community College’s South Campus. UNMC’s College of Nursing Cosmopolitan Mobile Nursing Center will provide a variety of free screenings including blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, breast health, dental and vision screenings.

“Our goal is to raise awareness about healthy living and encourage the Hispanic community to take serious steps to maintain their health,” Whitney-Jackson said.

Below is a schedule of Omaha area Bi-National Health Week events. Next week, UNMC Today will run daily schedules of the week’s events.

Monday, Oct. 15 — National Latino AIDS Awareness Day

Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey proclamation of Oct. 15 at National Latino AIDS Awareness Day — 10 a.m., Metropolitan Community College South Campus, Connector Building 2nd Floor, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave.

One World Community Health Clinic, 4920 S. 30th St., Suite 103

  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Sexual health education presentations, HIV screenings, agency booths
  • 11 to 11:30 a.m. — Natural family planning, Yolanda Bello
  • 11:30 a.m. to noon, Parenting for Sexual Health, Suszy Prenger
  • Noon to 12:30 — Lunch
  • 12:30 to 1 p.m. — Latino Men and Sexual Health, Alberto Cervantes
  • 1 to 1:30 p.m. — STD Education, Patrick O’Hanlon
  • 1:30 to 2 p.m. — Sexual identity, the Gospel and health, Pastor Tom

UNMC Community Health Clinic — 3 to 6 p.m., 5155 S. 36th St., free HIV tests with 20 minute results.

Tuesday, Oct. 16

Dr. Jose Alejandro Almaguer González to present “Complementary/Traditional Medicine: A Global Perspective” — 7:30 to 9 a.m., Durham Research Center Auditorium. The seminar will be preceeded by a continental breakfast at 7 a.m.

Dr. Almaguer gives his presentation to general public — 5:30 to 7 p.m., Metropolitan Community College-South Campus, Conference Center, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave.

Wednesday, Oct. 17

Latino Tobacco Summit — Metropolitan Community College-South Campus, Room No. 108, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave.

  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Tobacco Prevention, Room No. 120, Health Pros Workshops
  • 5 to 8 p.m. — Latin Women, Conference Center, Families Tobacco & Cancer

Wellness Living presentations — Metropolitan Community College-South Campus, Conference Center, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave.

  • 9 to 10 a.m. — Latinas in Action, Gaby Ortiz Workshop, Gemma Wolden
  • 10 to 10:30 a.m. — Nutrition Workshop, Carmen Reaber
  • 10:30 to 11 a.m. — Gold’s Gym Workshop, Tomas Covos

Informational booths from “ACTIVATE OMAHA!” and FURIA ROJA Soccer Academy also will be on display.

UNMC Community Health Clinic — 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., 5155 S. 36th St., free HIV tests with 20 minute results; $15 fee for sexually transmitted diseases testing and treatment, call 595-2296 for an appointment.

Thursday, Oct. 18

Family Together! Panel — 5:30 to 8 p.m., Omaha Metropolitan Community College-South Campus, Room No. 108, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave. The following is a list of discussion topics and panel presenters:

  • Narcotics unit — Omaha Police Department (OPD)
  • Meth prevention — Officer Charles Matson, OPD
  • Gangs — OPD Gang Unit
  • Domestic violence — Antonia Correa, UNMC

Booths from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Department of Labor will be on display.

Friday, Oct. 19

Nebraska AIDS Project — 5 to 10 p.m., RESPECT Clinic-SONA Building, 139 S. 40th St., free STD and HIV screenings with 20 minute results

Saturday, Oct. 20

Community Health Fair — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Omaha Metropolitan Community College-South Campus Conference Center, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave. The event will feature food, children’s activities, entertainment and giveaways. There also will be free health screenings such as adult and pediatric vision tests, blood pressure checks, adult and pediatric oral health screenings, breast exams, blood sugar and cholesterol screenings, body mass index tests, lead checks for children younger than 7, prostate checks and carbon dioxide screenings for smokers. Breast health education information and colorectal take-home kits also will be available.