Liany Arroyo
(202) 785-1670

Sep 30, 2008

Dr. Hector Balcazar Delivers Keynote Address

Long Beach, CA—The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and the NCLR/California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) Center for Latino Community Health, Evaluation & and Leadership Training held a heart health summit today. The CommUNITY Heart Health summit, “Cuidando Nuestros Corazones es Amar Nuestra Salud,” brought together key community leaders, medical professionals, government officials, and higher education representatives to discuss the unique health obstacles facing the Hispanic community. The goal of the summit was to address challenges within the health care system that many Hispanics face and identify potential solutions. Sponsored by Merck/Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals, the summit was held at CSULB, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month and National Cholesterol Education Month.

“Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing minority population in the United States”said Liany Elba Arroyo, Director of NCLR’s Institute for Hispanic Health. “Latinos have a strong interest in health information that will enable them to make the best decisions for themselves and their families but are often overlooked by mainstream efforts. Our community needs more culturally relevant health programs that address the major issues and obstacles facing them today, and NCLR was honored to host such an important forum.”

The summit provided participants with a greater understanding of the cultural framework necessary for facilitating quality Hispanic heart health initiatives within current health care settings, as well as the latest Hispanic cardiovascular research, statistics, and trends.

“In order to overcome this national health issue that has significantly impacted our communities, we need clear communication among Latino consumers and real solutions to improve their heart health knowledge,” said keynote speaker Dr. Hector Balcazar, Regional Dean of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. “By meeting this need, we have the potential to raise awareness about this health burden for this community at higher risk.”

The main risk factors for heart disease are high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. According to the American Heart Association, Hispanics have a somewhat different prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors than non-Hispanic whites. Language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of resources such as transportation also contribute to poor access to health care providers for Hispanics. Because of this, Hispanics are more likely to delay care, drop out of treatment when symptoms disappear, and experience low rates of physician use.

During the summit, discussions to improve literacy and understanding about heart health in the Hispanic community took center stage as the group discussed the use of promotores de salud (lay health educators) to facilitate the discussion between patients and doctors. “This summit provided a great starting place for experts across the educational, legislative, and health arenas to work toward the improvement of heart health among Hispanics,” stated Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis, Director of the NCLR/CSULB Center. “However, it is important to understand that this is more than just a health issue, and not just a Latino issue. It can affect the community as a whole, so it requires that the community join forces to develop appropriate solutions.”

About the National Council of La Raza
The National Council of La Raza (NCLR)—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. Through its network of nearly 300 affiliated community-based organizations, NCLR reaches millions of Hispanics each year in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. To achieve its mission, NCLR conducts applied research, policy analysis, and advocacy, providing a Latino perspective in five key areas—assets/investments, civil rights/immigration, education, employment and economic status, and health. In addition, it provides capacity-building assistance to its Affiliates who work at the state and local level to advance opportunities for individuals and families. For more information, visit www.nclr.org.

About the NCLR/CSULB Center for Latino Community Health, Evaluation & Leadership Training
The NCLR/CSULB Center for Latino Community Health, Evaluation & Leadership Training was inaugurated in June 2005 to create, support, and measure efforts that positively impact the health status of Latino communities and access issues facing them. The Center combines research on Hispanic health with educational opportunities, hands-on community projects, professional training, and collaboration among corporations, public-sector leadership, grassroots organizations, and academic institutions. The purpose of the Center is to design and implement innovative culturally and linguistically appropriate solutions to critical Latino health issues. For more information, visit www.csulb.edu/centers/latinohealth.

About Merck/Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals
Merck/Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc., and Schering-Plough Corporation. The collaboration includes worldwide markets (excluding Japan).

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