The Student Osteopathic Association would like you to join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month is the period when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week was approved by President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15and ending on October 15.
The Student Osteopathic Association recognizes that this is also a good time to address some of the health disparities Hispanics face. (Link to CDC brochure with information on Hispanic health disparities) As the National SOMA Minority Affairs Director I encourage all of you use the information in the brochure and help to acknowledge the problem and find ways to make a difference. Start by making sure your own medical student colleagues are aware of the health disparities. You can create a presentation where you discuss health disparities. Then you can target the problem its self. Create workshops for the local Hispanic communities educating them on issues of diabetes and hypertension. Go to urban schools and educate the children on healthy eating habits. Find ways to make a change! Now until October 15th I challenge all the chapters to find a way to make a difference!! Plan a program around educating medical students of Hispanic health disparities and/or going out to Hispanic community and educate its members. Please remember every small step we take will add up to miles of achievement. I can’t wait to hear about all the wonderful programs and events you will add to this year’s agenda to make a difference!
Sincerely,
Gloria Lopez
