Buenas Tardes,
As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, communities across the country celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans with ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. As part of President Obama’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation he states “Whether we trace our roots to those who came here on the Mayflower, who settled the Southwest centuries ago, or who joined the American family more recently, we share a common belief in the enduring promise of America — the promise that regardless of where we come from or what we look like, each of us can make it if we try.” To read the Presidential Proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month, click here.
Vice President Biden and his wife, Dr. Biden, hosted their annual Hispanic Heritage month reception at their residence, and the White House hosted a health policy briefing in honor of National Promotoras de Salud and Community Health Workers Day with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius.
Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden listen as the Vice President is introduced by high school senior Ashley Guzman, at a Hispanic Heritage Month reception, at the Naval Observatory Residence in Washington, D.C., September 26, 2012. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)
At the fourth annual reception held at the Vice President’s residence the Naval Observatory, the Vice President spoke of the contributions the Latino community has already made to America’s rich history, and looking at the growth of the Latino population, remarked that “the contributions that are about to be made I think are almost incalculable.” Guests included a wide range of Latino leaders from across the country including Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Domestic Policy Director Cecilia Munoz, Colorado Lt. Gov. Joseph Garcia and Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto, and two Hispanic Olympians from Team USA. The reception was filled with mariachi music courtesy of “Mariachi Halcon,” an 18 student ensemble from Zapata High School from Texas. Not only have these students won the state mariachi competition for the past two years, they also starred in a PBS documentary which will open National Geographic’s “All Roads Film Festival” on September 27, 2012. To learn more, click here.
Promotora panelists (L-R), Sandra San Miguel de Majors (Research Instructor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio), Rosa Villoch-Santiago (Director, Health Disparities, American Cancer Society), Maria Barker (Multicultural Program Manager, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Inc), and Lucy Felix (Promotora and Texas Latina Advocacy Network Coordinator, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health). (Photo Courtesy of the White House Office of Public Engagement)
Hispanic Heritage Month has also been an opportunity to “promote the health and wellness in the Latino Community,” as the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has stated. With this in mind, the White House hosted the White House Latina Health Policy briefing for Promotores de Salud.This policy briefing offered the opportunity for representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services to engage in a conversation about the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Acts makes health care more accessible and affordable, as many as 9 million Latinos will be eligible to get help to get the coverage they currently lack by 2014. The new law will reduce health care costs, and give individuals and families more control over their own care. In 2011, the Affordable Care Act provided approximately 6.1 million Latinos with a t least one new free preventive service through their health insurance plan, including 3.9 million elderly and disabled. To learn more about the Affordable Care Act, click here.
In President’ Obama’s letter recognizing National Promotoras de Salud and Community Health Workers Day, he noted, “Today, Promotoras play a critical role in closing our country’s healthcare gaps-educating communities in which they have a special connection about wellness and prevention, and linking their neighbors with crucial health and social services. Through their efforts, they are building a healthier future for Americans of all backgrounds and moving us closer to achieving health equity.”
As always, please share with your networks and continue to celebrate Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Julie Chavez Rodriguez
Associate Director
White House | Office of Public Engagement