Houston's Hispanic Health Coalition

Third Annual District I Family Day

hhchealth — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:43:06 +0000

WE INVITE YOU TO THE DISTRICT I FAMILY DAY
Infrastructure DAY

The event, hosted by Council Member James G. Rodriguez in collaboration with the American Association of Civil Engineers and the League of Women Voters, celebrates the arts and culture of Houston’s District 1 while offering information about careers, health, wellness, education and more to visitors. It will also include a screening of the movie Monsters vs. Aliens.
Date: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2010
Time: 3:00 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M.
Location: DISCOVERY GREEN PARK AND GEORGE R. BROWN CONVENTION CENTER 1002 AVENIDA DE LAS AMERICAS HOUSTON, TX 77010

General Membership Meeting September 16, 2010

hhchealth — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 22:58:31 +0000

The next general membership meeting will take place on September 16th from 12pm-1:30pm. The speaker will be Maritza Guerrero, Executive Director, Community Family Center. Her talk is titled “Community Family Center: Education and Social Services for Hispanics in the East End Neighborhood.”

The meeting will take place at the Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services (HCPHES) at 2223 West Loop South, Conference Room 532, Houston, TX 77027.
Please RSVP your attendance by September 13th Click here to RSVP

**Lunch is provided free for paid members
$10 donation for non-members, if lunch is requested

Hope to see you there!

Houston is “Smoke Free for 3″

hhchealth — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 22:37:53 +0000

Press Release- Spanish Version Below
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- September 1, 2 010
CONTACT: Desiree Gonzales Phillips
(713) 515-8783 Cell, (713) 563-8184 Office
ddgonzal@mdanderson.org
General public hotline:
1-877-YES-QUIT wwww.yesquit.com

PHYSICIANS, ELECTED LEADERS, AND HEALTH ADVOCATES MARK HOUSTON’S THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF SMOKING BAN BY RALLYING HOUSTONIANS “TO PUT DOWN CIGARETTES FOR GOOD”
While progress has been made, Houston leaders are urging remaining smokers to improve their health and Houston’s environment by asking their doctors for help to quit smoking
HOUSTON (Sept. 1, 2010) – A large group of minority health coalitions, including doctors and elected officials, today celebrated the third anniversary of Houston’s successful smoking ban urging Houstonians “to see their doctors and put down their cigarettes for good.” The Houston City Council approved the citywide smoking ban on October 18, 2006, and it went into effect on September 1, 2007.
“Smoke Free for 3,” a campaign lead by the Hispanic Health Coalition, Asian American Health Coalition, African American Health Coalition, Native American Health Coalition, and Houston Communities for Safe Indoor Air (HCSIA), recognized the City of Houston’s leadership and success in creating more smoke free workplaces and public spaces. However, despite the success in public policies, smoking continues to be a significant personal health issue for many Houstonians, particularly for minority communities. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 3,257,000 Texans ages 18+ smoke.
According to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) of adults ages 18 and older 32.4% of American Indians currently smoke, compared to 22.0% of Whites, 21.3% of African-Americans, 15.8% of Hispanics, and 9.9% of Asian-Americans.
“We are very excited to commemorate the “Smoke Free for 3″ anniversary. Passing the smoking ordinance three years ago was a major step in the right direction for the health of our city and the health of our workforce. We are proud that we had a voice in making that happen and continue to support efforts that will impact the health of our Hispanic and minority communities,” said Desiree Gonzales Phillips, Hispanic Health Coalition Board Member. “As part of this month-long effort, we are urging smokers to talk to their doctor about quitting and promoting Smoking Cessation resources available throughout the City.”
“Cigarettes are the most dangerous consumer product in the world, killing an estimated 25,000 Texans every year. How big is the problem? We estimate that a third of the patients who die at MD Anderson Cancer Center die simply because they smoked cigarettes,” said Dr. Joel Dunnington, Director of GI Radiology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. “The most effective, and cheapest, public health intervention Texas can implement is to make indoor air smoke free. You not only remove the toxic effects on non-smokers and increase the likelihood that smokers will quit smoking, but it also sends a strong message to children that smoking is not glamorous and is not a socially acceptable activity. “
Texas State Representative Carol Alvarado praised Houston’s efforts to reduce the number of smokers, “Houston’s smoking ordinance was a result of people from all backgrounds coming together and putting away their ideological differences to make our city a healthier place to live, work and play. Only three years later we can see the pay-off of all of our hard work – cleaner indoor air and a healthier Houston. I am proud to have had helped lead this effort.”
The 4th largest city in America, Houston is among several cities in Texas with smoke free ordinances including Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Baytown, Galveston, Pearland, and Pasadena.
Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis encouraged action in his video taped remarks at Wednesday’s event. “This is a press conference to kick-off a month of activities to encourage people in our minority communities to empower themselves and to take an interest in reducing smoking in our communities.”
Minority health coalitions advocated in support of the City of Houston’s Smoking Ordinance and have continued to work over these last three years to help thousands of residents and workers stay healthy. Smoke-free workplaces and public spaces are essential to ensuring the public health and wellbeing of our residents. “Smoke-Free for 3” is a coordinated effort lead by Houston’s minority health coalitions and physicians to celebrate the city’s commitment and encourage Houstonians to seek their doctor’s advice on how to quit smoking.
For more information and tips for quitting smoking, call 1-877-YES-QUIT or go to wwww.yesquit.com
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Spanish Press Release
PARA DISTRIBUCIÓN INMEDIATA
1 de septiembre de 2010
CONTACTO: Desiree Gonzales Phillips
713-515-8783 cell, 713-563-8184 oficina
ddgonzal@mdanderson.com
Línea de ayuda
1-877-YES-QUIT wwww.yesquit.com

MÉDICOS Y DEFENSORES DE LA COMUNIDAD MARCAN EL TERCER ANIVERSARIO DE LA PROHIBICIÓN DEL HUMO DE TABACO EN HOUSTON ANIMANDO A LOS RESIDENTES A “APAGAR LOS CIGARRILLOS PARA SIEMPRE”

Aunque se ha logrado progreso, se exhortan a los fumadores a que consulten a un médico para ayuda en dejar de fumar
Houston (1 de septiembre 2010) – Un grupo grande de defensores de la salud, hoy, festejaron el tercer aniversario de la exitosa prohibición del humo del cigarrillo en Houston exhortando a la comunidad de apagar el cigarrillo para siempre. El Consejo de la Ciudad de Houston aprobó la prohibición de humo de tabaco en toda la ciudad el 18 de octubre de 2006, y la ley entró en vigencia el 17 de septiembre de 2007.
“Smoke Free for 3”, una campaña dirigida La Coalición Hispana de la Salud de Houston, La Coalición Asiática de la Salud, La Coalición Afro-americana de la Salud, La Coalición de Nativos-americanos de la Salud y Houston Communities for Safe Indoor Air reconocieron la dirección y éxito de la Cuidad de Houston en crear más lugares de trabajo y espacios públicos libres de humo. Aunque se ha logrado gran progreso en prohibir el humo del cigarrillo en restaurantes y lugares públicos, el tabaquismo continúa siendo un aspecto importante de salud para muchas personas en Houston, particularmente entre la comunidad multicultural. El Centro para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) aproxima que 3,257,000 Tejanos mayores de 18 años fuman.
Según la Encuesta Entrevista de Salud Nacional (NHIS) de adultos mayores de 18 años, el 32.4% de los nativos-americanos actualmente fuman, en comparación con un 22.0% de blancos, un 21.3% de afro-americanos, un 15.8% de hispanos y un 9.9% de asiáticos-americanos.
“Estamos muy emocionados de conmemorar el aniversario “Smoke Free for 3”. El haber pasado la prohibición de humo hace tres años fue un gran paso para la salud de nuestros ciudadanos y empleados. Estamos orgullosos de haber participado en hacer la prohibición una realidad y vamos a seguir apoyando los esfuerzos que mejorarán la salud de nuestra comunidad hispana y la de otros grupos minoritarios” dijo Desiree Gonzáles Phillips, presidenta de la Coalición Hispana de la Salud de Houston. “Como parte de este esfuerzo, todo el mes estaremos exhortando a los fumadores que hablen con sus médicos sobre las diferentes formas para dejar de fumar, y estaremos promoviendo recursos del antitabaquismo disponibles por toda la ciudad”.
“El cigarrillo es el producto de consumo más peligroso en el mundo, que toma las vidas de más de 25,000 Tejanos cada año. ¿Qué tan serio es el problema? Aproximamos que un tercio de los pacientes del centro de cáncer de MD Anderson mueren por culpa de los cigarrillos” dijo Dr. Joel Dunnington, director de Radiología Gastrointestinal, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. “La manera más efectiva y económica que puede implementar el estado de Texas es asegurar que nuestro aire es libre de humo. No solamente se libra el aire de los efectos tóxicos para los no-fumadores, pero también ayuda a los que quisieran dejar el habito y envía un mensaje fuerte a nuestros jóvenes que fumar no es atractivo o aceptado socialmente”.
La representante del estado de Texas, Carol Alvarado, aplaudió los esfuerzos de Houston en reducir la cantidad de fumadores: “El reglamento de la prohibición de humo fue el resultado de los esfuerzos de residentes de diferentes grupos colaborando y resguardando sus diferencias ideológicas para hacer nuestra ciudad un lugar más saludable para vivir, trabajar y disfrutar. Tres años después, se nota el resultado – aire más limpio y un Houston más saludable. Estoy orgullosa de haber colaborado en este esfuerzo”.
Como la cuarta ciudad más grande de América, Houston está entre varias ciudades Tejanas con reglamentos para la prohibición de humo que incluyen Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Baytown, Galveston, Pearland y Pasadena.
En sus comentarios video grabados, el senador estatal Rodney Ellis exhortó más participación. “Esta conferencia de prensa comienza un mes de actividades para animar a nuestras comunidades minoritarias para que sigan motivados en reducir el tabaquismo”.
Las coaliciones de salud de grupos minoritarios abogaron en apoyo de la ley de prohibición de fumar de la ciudad de Houston y han continuado trabajando en los últimos tres años para ayudar a miles de residentes y trabajadores a mantenerse sanos. Los lugares de trabajo y espacios públicos libres de humo del cigarrillo son esenciales para asegurar la salud pública y el bienestar de nuestros residentes. “Smoke-Free for 3” es un esfuerzo coordinado por las coaliciones de salud y médicos de grupos minoritarios de Houston para celebrar el compromiso de nuestra ciudad y animar a los residentes de Houston a que consulten a sus médicos sobre las diferentes formas de dejar de fumar.
Para mayor información sobre dejar de fumar, llame al 1-877-YES-QUIT o visite yesquit.com.
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May General Membership Meeting Summary

hhchealth — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 04:11:05 +0000

On May 20, 2010, Ruben Vela, Community Liaison for the North Central satellite office of the City of Houston Mayor’s Citizens’ Assistance Office gave a presentation entitled, “Addressing Health Disparities on a Zero Budget.” Mr.Vela gave an overview of his role which entails addressing any and all citizens’ concerns in his region. In addition, his office partners with various community groups to assist in planning and organizing events that would be beneficial to the community, i.e. health fairs. Working on such projects has allowed Mr. Vela to identify and work with various organizations, businesses and individuals willing to support community initiatives, thereby facilitating the efforts with little to no monetary resources. Many of the events Mr. Vela has helped organize have had over 2,000 people in attendance. Every event has provided food, water, and access to services/resources all free to the community. We appreciate Mr. Vela’s insight and dedication.

For more information please contact:
Ruben Vela
West End Multi-Service Center
Phone: 713.803.1062

To find the community liaison in your area go to: http://www.houstontx.gov/cao/liaisons.html

Next General Membership Meeting will be July 15th. Speaker information to follow.

Next General Membership Meeting on Thursday, March 18, 2010

hhchealth — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:50:14 +0000

The next general membership meeting will take place on March 18th from 12pm-1:30pm. The speaker will be Carole Keeney Harrington, M.S. Ms. Harrington is president and CEO of The Living Bank. Her talk is titled “The Living Bank – An Organ Donation Educational Organization.” The Living Bank currently is focused on education about kidney disease and living donation.

The meeting will take place at the Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services (HCPHES) at 2223 West Loop South, Conference Room 532, Houston, TX 77027. Please RSVP your attendance by March 16th to: nici@rnmills.com.

**Lunch is provided free for paid members
$10 donation for non-members, if lunch is requested

Hope to see you there!

1st General Membership Meeting of 2010- Presentation Summary and Pictures

hhchealth — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:49:14 +0000

On January 21, Jill Hickman presented on a very interesting and relevant topic, “Determining Your Authentic Path: Turning Possibilities into Realities.” Through her presentation, attendees were able to start determining the path they are meant to travel, the goals they are destined to complete and the most important action steps that will get them there. It was a very informative talk that will be very beneficial to the attendees as they plan their professional and personal goals for 2010.

Ms. Hickman is a facilitator and speaker that coordinates association and organizational planning retreats, annual conferences and much more. For more information about her public workshops and webinars, please visit www.jillhickman.com or contact her directly at jill@jillhickman.com. Please click the flier below for more information about her upcoming event on February 11, “Possibilities for Women Workshop.” Great news! Jill has offered our members the Friend Discount when you register online at www.jillhickman.com/possibilities_workshop!

Pictures taken during the meeting:

HHC at the 2010 Wellness Symposium

hhchealth — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:45:34 +0000

On January 14-16, the Hispanic Health Coalition participated in the 2010 Wellness Symposium, hosted by the Houston Wellness Association. Board Members staffed the Hispanic Health Coalition booth on those days. Several current members visited our booth and we made many new friends, of whom some joined the Coalition during the Symposium and others are excited to join very soon. Dr. Norma Olvera, Vice President of the HHC, participated as a moderater and Donaji Stelzig, HHC Board Member, participated as a Panelist at the Symposium. We are happy that our participation in this event was a success and look forward to participating next year.

Next General Membership Meeting on Thursday, January 21, 2010

hhchealth — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:09:30 +0000

Happy New Year! The next general membership meeting will take place on January 21st from 12pm-1:30pm. The speaker will be Jill Hickman, President of Jill Hickman Companies, whose focus is on Leadership Initiatives, particularly for women. Her talk is titled “Determining Your Authentic Path: Turning Possibilities into Realities.”

The meeting will take place at the Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services (HCPHES) at 2223 West Loop South, Conference Room 532, Houston, TX 77027. Hope to see you there!

HHC Poster Awarded 3rd Place at the International Cancer Education Conference

hhchealth — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:50:01 +0000

Congratulations to HHC board members Donaji Stelzig, Nathalie Folch and Dr. Norma Olvera who were awarded 3rd place in the Cancer Prevention and Screening: Risk Factor Reduction, Special Populations Category for their poster, “Promote Awareness of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity in Low Income Hispanic Women to Reduce Cancer Risk.” This is a great accomplishment as poster entries were submitted by individuals from all over the world.

The International Cancer Education Conference was held October 15-17 in Houston, TX. The Conference theme was the “Art and Science of Cancer Education and Evaluation” and focused on the current state of cancer education.

Next General Membership Meeting on Thurs., Nov. 19

hhchealth — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:32:05 +0000

The speaker for the upcoming November 19th meeting will be Dr. Karen Cullen, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. Her talk is titled “Creating Healthy Home Food Environments.”

The meeting will take place from 12pm-1:30pm at the Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services (HCPHES) at 2223 West Loop South, Conference Room 532, Houston, TX 77027. Hope to see you there!