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Various issues are highlighted through a week of education, screenings and fun for the entire family.
The collaboration began 18 years ago between Mexico and California, but has spread across the United States with the growth of Mexican immigration. This year, at least 250,000 people in 24 states will receive health-related interventions during Bi-National Health Week.
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 of the 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,” said 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.”
Below is a daily schedule of Omaha’s Bi-National Health Week activities:
Monday, Oct. 13
10 a.m. — Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey will make a proclamation related to National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, Metropolitan Community College South Campus, Connector Building 2nd Floor, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave.
6 to 8 p.m. — Prenatal Care/Early Childhood Care
8 to 9 p.m. — Autism, Metropolitan Community College-South Campus, ITC Building, Room No. 119, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave.
Tuesday, Oct. 14
4 to 8 p.m. — Panel discussion on cancer, One World Community Health Clinic, 4920 S. 30th St., Suite 103
Wednesday, Oct. 15 (National Latino AIDS Awareness Day)
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — One World Community Health Clinic, 4920 S. 30th St., Suite 103
5:30 to 7 p.m. — screenings available, RESPECT Clinic-UNMC Community Health Clinic, 5155 S. 36th St., Free HIV Tests with 20 minute results; $15 fee for sexually transmitted diseases testing and treatment. Call for appointment 595-2296
Thursday, Oct. 16
5 to 8:30 p.m. — Panel discussion on diabetes, nutrition and obesity, One World Community Health Clinic, 4920 S. 30th St., Suite 103
5 to 9 p.m. — Nebraska AIDS Project – testing night, NAP Building, 139 S. 40th St., Free STD and HIV screenings with 20 minute results.
Friday, Oct. 17
5 to 9 p.m. — Nebraska AIDS Project – Testing Night, NAP Building, 139 S. 40th St. Free STD and HIV screenings with 20 minute results.
Saturday, Oct. 18
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — UNMC, ConAgra Foods Community Health Fair, Omaha Metropolitan Community College-South Campus Conference Center, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave. Food, Children’s Activities, Entertainment, and Giveaways. Free health screenings for:
- Vision/glaucoma;
- Blood pressure;
- Oral — adult and pediatric;
- Head/neck exams (cancer);
- Height and weight/body mass index;
- Blood sugar and total cholesterol/HDL;
- Colorectal take-home kits;
- Lead checks for children younger than 7;
- Prostate checks & blood draw; and
- Carbon dioxide testing (for smokers).