Omaha health providers and social service agencies have launched efforts to improve the health and well-being of underserved Latinos as part of the annual Bi-National Health Week.
The collaboration between Mexico and California began nearly 20 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 people in 40 states.
Locally, members of the South Omaha Community Care Council organized a week of education, screenings and fun for the entire family. (See detailed list below).
While special emphasis is placed on health issues for Latinos, all activities and screenings are open to the public.
“This year, our local campaign will address a variety of health issues including breast cancer prevention, alternative medicine, domestic violence and healthy weight management,” said Jose Villegas, event organizer and clinical study specialist in UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities in the College of Public Health.
The signature event is the south Omaha community health fair on Oct. 3.
Various health care professionals donate their time to provide a series of free health care screenings centered on preventative health.
“For some of our citizens, the south Omaha health fair provides a rare opportunity to get much-needed health information, services and one-on-one consultation with health providers. Since Latinos are disproportionally affected with diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancers, we want to directly engage citizens to improve health outcomes,” said Shireen Rajaram, Ph.D., director of UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities in the College of Public Health.
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.
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Bi-National Health Week
Omaha
Agenda & Activities
October 3-15
Friday, October 2
Kickoff day
10 a.m. –Opening ceremony, Consulate of Mexico, 3552 Dodge St.
Saturday, October 3
UNMC, ConAgra Foods Community Health Fair
Omaha Metropolitan Community College-South Campus
Conference Center, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Food, Children’s Activities, Entertainment, and Giveaways
FREE Health Screenings:
Vision/glaucoma
Blood pressure
Oral –adult and pediatric
Head/neck exams (cancer)
Height & weight/body mass index
Blood sugar & total cholesterol/HDL
Colorectal take-home kits
Lead checks for children under 7
Prostate checks & blood draw
Carbon dioxide testing (for smokers)
Healthy Nutrition/ Weight Management
- Various restaurants in south Omaha will alter some of their food choices on their menus to be healthier
Monday, October 5
Helping children who are physically or mentally challenged
5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Omaha Metropolitan Community College-South Campus
Conference Center, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave.
Tuesday, October 6
Alternative medicine workshop
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
One World Community Health Centers, 4920 S. 30th St.
Wednesday, October 7
Our children living safe
5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Spring Lake Elementary School, 4215 S. 20th
Domestic violence workshop
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Omaha Metropolitan Community College-South Campus
Conference Center, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave.
Thursday, October 8
Elderly Workshop
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lady of Guadalupe Church, 5005 S. 23rd St.
Breast Cancer Prevention
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
One World Community Health Centers, 4920 S. 30th
Saturday, October 10
LGTB Summit
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Omaha Metropolitan Community College-South Campus
Conference Center, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave.
Monday, October 12
Prenatal Healthy Baby Shower
5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Omaha Metropolitan Community College-South Campus
Conference Center, ITC Building, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave.
Sunday, October 11
Soccer teams champion health
- Twenty-four Latino soccer teams will play in N.P. Dodge Park (11005 J.J. Pershing Dr.) from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. to raise awareness about healthy behaviors.
Thursday, October 15
“Relax your mind” – mental health workshop
5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
One World Community Health Centers, 4920 S. 30th
Friday, October 16
Community Health Champion Awards Dinner
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Lady of Guadalupe Church, 5005 S. 23rd St.
UNMC is the only public health science center in the state. Its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through their commitment to education, research, patient care and outreach, UNMC and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, have established themselves as one of the country’s leading centers in cancer, transplantation biology, bioterrorism preparedness, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, genetics, biomedical technology and ophthalmology. UNMC’s research funding from external sources now exceeds $100 million annually and has resulted in the creation of more than 3,200 highly skilled jobs in the state. UNMC’s physician practice group, UNMC Physicians, includes 513 physicians in 50 specialties and subspecialties who practice primarily in The Nebraska Medical Center. For more information, go to UNMC’s Web site at www.unmc.edu.