Omaha joins other U.S. cities, Mexico to co-sponsor Bi-National Health Week Oct. 15-20

Millions of Mexican immigrants now rely on the American health system for their daily needs. To accommodate those needs, a host of Omaha health providers and social service agencies are sponsoring the second annual Bi-National Health Week, October 15-20.

 

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

 

The collaboration began 17 years ago between Mexico and California, but has spread across America with the growth of 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. Though organizers are targeting low-income and underserved populations regardless of citizenship, all activities and screenings are open to the public.

 

The programming will focus on traditional medicine, cancer, diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol, nutrition, dental health, lead screenings, vision screenings, carbon dioxide screenings (for smokers), infectious diseases (STD/HIV/tuberculosis), breast cancer, wellness living, and occupational injuries. Outreach activities will include enrolling eligible people in existing health programs and offering bi-lingual guides to insurance and public benefits programs.

 

“We know that Mexicans are more prone to diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancers, so it is very important that they know how to access the American health system. Also, it is important that Mexican immigrants working in a number of potentially hazardous industrial occupations understand the nature of their working environments and their rights to safety,” said Enrique Lopez-Reyes, coordinator of the Institute for Mexicans Abroad at the Mexican Consulate in Omaha.

 

Sponsoring organizations include: South Omaha Community Care Council, University of Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska at Lincoln Extension Office, UNMC Minority Health Education and Research Office, The Nebraska Medical Center, Creighton University Medical Center, Creighton University Medical Center-Cardiac Center, Mexican Ministry of Health, Nebraska AIDS Project, UNMC College of Nursing Mobile Nursing Center, Latino Center of the Midlands, Omaha Public Schools, Metropolitan Community College-South Campus, CONAGRA Foods, U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Department of Labor, UNMC College of Nursing, Interfaith, Nuestro Mundo newspaper, El Perico newspaper, Hispanos Unidos, Nebraska Health and Human Services, Douglas County Health Department, Consulate of Mexico, Methodist College, Omaha Police Department, Omaha Firefighters, Planned Parenthood, Radio Lobo, and Alegent Health.

 

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10 a.m. – Mike Fahey, Omaha Mayor – Proclamation, National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, Metropolitan Community College South Campus, Connector Building 2^nd Floor, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Avenue

 

One World Community Health Clinic, 4920 south 30th Street, Suite 103

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, 5155 South 36^th Street

3 to 6 p.m., free HIV tests with 20 minute results

 

Dr. José Alejandro Almaguer González, director of traditional medicine and intercultural development, Ministry of Health, México. Discussion will focus on complementary and traditional medicine, the relationship between the two, and racial and ethnic health disparities.

 

7 to 7:30 a.m., continental breakfast followed by presentation, UNMC Durham Research Center Auditorium, located on the UNMC campus, on the corner of Emile Street and Durham Research Plaza. Free parking in the parking garage.

 

5:30 to 7 p.m., Metropolitan Community College-South Campus, Conference Center, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Avenue

 

 

Metropolitan Community College-South Campus, Room #108, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Avenue

 

Time, topic and facilitator:

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tobacco Prevention, Room #120, Health Pros Workshops

5 to 8 p.m., Latin Women, Conference Center, Families Tobacco & Cancer

Metropolitan Community College-South Campus, Conference Center, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Avenue

Time, topic and facilitator:

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

 

Ø      ACTIVATE OMAHA!

Ø      FURIA ROJA Soccer Academy

 

UNMC Community Health Clinic, 5155 S. 36^th Street

5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Free HIV tests with 20 minute results; $15 fee for sexually transmitted diseases testing & treatment, call for appointment 595-2296

Omaha Metropolitan Community College-South Campus, Room # 108, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Avenue

Narcotics Unit – Omaha Police Department 

Meth Prevention – Officer Charles Matson – Omaha Police Dept.

Gangs – Omaha Police Department Gang Unit

Domestic Violence – Antonia Correa – UNMC

Ø      U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Ø      Department of Labor

RESPECT Clinic- SONA Building, 139 South 40^th Street, 5 to 10 p.m., free STD screenings with 20 minute results, free HIV screenings with 20 minute results

 

Omaha Metropolitan Community College-South Campus

Conference Center, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Avenue

 

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (register by 12:30 p.m.)

Food, Children’s Activities, Entertainment, and Giveaways

 

FREE Health Screenings: