The Health Initiative of the Americas (HIA) in collaboration with the Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IME) and The Mexican Ministry of Health (SSA) has co-sponsored four Jornadas Informativas de Salud Sobre Mexico (Informative Health Journeys about Mexico). The Jornada Informativa de Salud is an informative immersion focusing on migrant health care and the health care systems of Mexico. Since 2001, over 150 health care providers, health educators, and heads of community clinics have participated in the program.
This program is situated at the crossroads of a cultural and linguistic health services void in California and across the country. Only 1 in 20 licensed doctors in California is Latino. Therefore, there are 335 White patients for every White doctor, and 2,893 Latino patients for every Latino doctor. The lack of Spanish speaking health care providers, and culturally appropriate programs and services directly impacts Mexican migrants as native Spanish speakers, a transient population and often the most vulnerable to chronic and mental illness.
In June 2004, forty-five health education directors from across the United States spent four days in Jalisco, Mexico. Participants were immersed in presentations, expert panels and workshops concerning the Mexican health care system, and specific health programs such as mental health, occupational and chronic disease affected by migration as well as prevention and access. Participants also visited a local clinic, health care facility and several cultural events. Of the forty-five participants, 18 work and live in California. The others are from New Mexico, Georgia, Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Nevada, Oregon, New York, North Carolina, and Arizona, all states with a large Mexican origin population.
In September 2005, 18 representatives of community agencies, hospitals, and clinics of 4 California counties (Tulare, Monterey, San Mateo, and Alameda) visited Zacatecas, Mexico for three days. This Jornada focused on the function of health services in Mexico in general and reproductive health in particular. This was accomplished with conferences and workshops, and guided visits to hospitals and health centers.
Binational Health Week
This year, the Ninth BHW will take place October 3-15, 2009 in 40 states in the U.S. and 3 provinces in Canada, with the participation of the consular networks of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Additionally, during BHW five national campaigns will be implemented to promote awareness among the underserved Latino community on H1N1 Influenza, Prevention of Addictions, Nutrition, Prevention of Strokes, and Living Green.
More information about BHW events