Adapted from:

News Article/Fontana Herald News
By ALEJANDRO CANO

September 22, 2005

In an attempt to improve the health of Latinos in San Bernardino County and to break the barriers that prevent them from receiving medical assistance, a group of about 40 health agencies and local leaders launched the Latino Health Collaborative at the County Government Center Rotunda last Monday.

"The Latino Health Collaborative intends to take the necessary steps to address current health issues and barriers impacting the Latino community," said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates and LHC Executive Committee member. "The mobilization of human and material resources is best accomplished with teamwork and community leadership."

The idea, developed by Monica Benitez, senior policy fellow at Latino Issues Forum and Esther Jimenez of the county's Department of Public Health, came after health statistics placed Latinos among the most vulnerable to chronic health conditions such as cancer and diabetes and after learning that Latinos face many obstacles to receiving health assistance.

"After reviewing important factors that affect Latinos in San Bernardino County, we noticed that there was a need to know why they were not receiving proper health services," said Benitez. "Our group tries to focus on health care; that makes us different from other groups. We are also trying to unite long-time Latino residents with recently-arrived residents in the area. They have different needs but the same problem, lack of health assistance."

According to county statistics, Latinos are twice as likely to die from diabetes and liver disease than whites and are less likely to seek mental health services or have health insurance.

Erik Frykman, the county's health officer, said that many of the diseases that affect Latinos can be avoided by changing lifestyles.

"Many of the diseases impacting Latinos are preventable," said Frykman. "Alcohol and tobacco use are two modifiable lifestyle choices that negatively affect Latinos' quality of life."

In addition, nearly 32 percent of Latinos living below the federal poverty level are in need of mental health services, but only 8 percent are currently receiving such services.

This data has motivated LHC members to set goals to act as a clearinghouse for statistics and research and to fight to gain access to culturally and linguistically competent health care.

THE GROUP will also work closely with local organizations to reduce inequities in health and to break barriers that prevent Latinos from receiving care.

"As the Latino population in our county continues to grow, their unique health issues demand greater attention," said Frykman. "The Collaborative's presence will positively impact Latino health for many years and generations to come."

A short-term goal includes having a phone line to receive calls from residents who are concerned about health services in the county and wanting to get ideas on how such issues could be solved.

To achieve faster results, about 40 health agencies (including Molina Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, and the Rialto Health Group), community organizations (such as California Endowment, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the American Cancer Society), and area political leaders (such as Supervisor Josie Gonzales, Senator Nell Soto and Congressman Joe Baca) have joined forces.