LATINO HEALTH AND BUSINESS E-NEWS
March/April 2009

FEATURED STORIES

Managers Council Members and 2009 Gala Honorees Attend Tapas Reception AHHE's 2007 and 2008 Managers Council honoree members and the 2009 Annual Healthcare Diversity Awards Gala Committee enjoyed an evening of networking, wine (courtesy of Casa De Vinos) and Tapas at the trendy Westside restaurant, Sol Y Sombra. In attendance were two of our 2009 Honorees, Patricia Wang, J.D., President & CEO, of Healthfirst, recipient of the Managed Care Executive of the Year and Luis Lopez, President of Alante Security Group and President of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who will be receiving the Business Leader of the Year award. Also in attendance, were national partner, Aetna, and our regional partners, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System.

Left to right:Luis A. Vazquez, 2009 Gala Chairman and President & CEO, Casa De  Vinos, Clara Irizarry, Administrative Manager at Memorial Sloan Kettering  Cancer Center and AHHE Managers Council Co-Chair, Howard Gold, Senior Vice  President, Managed Care, North Shore-LIJ Health System, Patricia Wang, J.D., President & CEO, of Healthfirst, Dina Segro-Nogueira, Senior Account Executive at Aetna, George Zeppenfeldt-Cestero, President, AHHE/NHCCH, Andy  Nieto, Director, Community Health, Outreach & Marketing, Ambulatory Care  Network, NYP and Millie Onofrietti, Coordinator, Community Physician  Relations, Community Health Ambulatory Care, NYP and Chair of the AHHE  Development Committee.

To become a sponsor, visit: www.ahhe.org

Clara Irizarry, AHHE Managers Co-Chair, Andy Nieto, AHHE Manager Co-Chair and Juan Mejia, 2008 Manager Council Honoree and Director of Operations at NYP.

Sol y Sombra, one of New York's leading Tapas Bars and Restaurants, 82nd Street and Amsterdam Ave, venue for Managers Council reception and launching of the 2009 Annual Healthcare Diversity Awards Gala.

Deadline: April 30, 2009
GNYHA PROGRAM TO IDENTIFY AND EDUCATE POTENTIAL HOSPITAL TRUSTEES

Minority Brochure New York

Register for Complimentary Minority Hospital Trustee Training in New York and Denver. Visit www.americangovernance.com/TCRegistration

Health Emergency
Swine Flu Updates

For Current Information on the Swine Flu go to: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/and http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/home/home.shtml

Gala Committee Members Needed For the 9th Annual Healthcare Diversity Awards Gala Scheduled For Friday, June 19, 2009, At the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square

This is an exceptional opportunity to support an established tax-exempt non-profit and network with leaders in the hospital, health and medical sectors. Corporate and chamber of commerce executives are encouraged to pursue how participating may enhance their access to these industries. For questions call or email us at: 212-877-1615 or AHHEinNYC@aol.com and events.mo@gmail.com .

Obama sets up formal office for healthcare reform

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama set up an executive office for healthcare reform at the White House on Wednesday, saying the overhaul was one of the biggest priorities for the first year of his presidency.

To more information, click here

Seeking Board Members

The Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives (AHHE) is seeking board members to join the country’s only professional membership organization of healthcare executives dedicated to providing access to healthcare for the Hispanic community. AHHE focuses on supporting the educational pipeline for health management professionals and increasing diversity both in senior management and on hospital boards of trustees. Our members include presidents of health systems and administrators/managers working in hospitals, managed care companies, health insurance and pharmaceutical companies. Candidates should have experience in one or more of the following areas: community relations, strategic partnerships, fundraising and program development. This is a unique opportunity to network with health professionals (MDs, RNs, DDSs, MPH, MPAs)  For further information on AHHE or to discuss board positions, visit: www.AHHE.org For questions call or email us at: 212-877-1615 or AHHEinNYC@aol.com.

Won’t It Feel Great to Support a Worthy Cause That Doesn’t Cost a Thing?

April is National Donate Life Month

Celebrate the gift of ORGAN EYE AND TISSUE DONATION To find out how to participate in Donate Life Month, log on to www.donatelifeny.org or contact Karen Cummings at 646-291-4454.

Ameeta K. Bahia
Communications Assistant
New York Organ Donor Network
132 West 31st St., 11th Fl.
New York, NY 10001-3406
ABahia@nyodn.org
www.donatelifeny.org
646-291-4457 Direct Line, 646-291-4444 General Number, 646-291-4600 Fax

April is National Donate Life Month, Workplace Partnership for Life Initiative

To more information, click here

Summer Internship Opportunity

The Andrus Family Fund (AFF) seeks a graduate student with an interest in philanthropy, public policy, economic/racial justice, community organizing and/or collaborative processes for a ten-week full-time paid summer internship. Start/end dates are negotiable.

To more information, click here

AHHE & NHCCH 2009 Annual Gala

AHHE & NHCCH NATIONAL NEWS

• Stimulus Seeks To Stimulate Health Care
  by Paul Briand, Baby Boomer Examiner High among the expectations Baby Boomers have for the Obama Administration is a fix for health care.
• Obama Signs Economic Stimulus Measure Into Law Kaiser network.org
• Hefty Health Spending in Stimulus Bill WebMD

New Alarming Figures – Latinos reported to be 18% of those living with undiagnosed HIV infection.

New York, NY – Friday, February 20, 2009 – In reports recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the extent of the HIV/AIDS epidemic among Latinos/Hispanics was made more apparent and reinforced the need for immediate action. Latinos/Hispanics in the U.S. represent 15.3% (U.S. Census Bureau) of the population but account for 19.0% of people living with AIDS and now are reported to be 18.0 % of those living with an undiagnosed HIV infection.

To more information, click here

National Ehealth Collaborative Launched

Former American Health Information Community brings together public-private sector members to achieve nationwide electronic health information network.

Washington, D.C. (January 8, 2009) - The National eHealth Collaborative, formerly AHIC Successor, Inc., was officially launched today in Washington, D.C. The National eHealth Collaborative is a public-private partnership dedicated to the creation of a secure, interoperable, nationwide health information network that will advance the American public’s interest in health and improve the quality, safety, efficiency and accessibility of healthcare.

For the full story, please click here

AHHE & NHCCH LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS

Free Information Sessions on Public Health Insurance Options - Ongoing

The NYC Managed Care Consumer Assistance Program (NYC MCCAP) is introducing free Information Sessions. These trainings are geared to different community organizations who are unfamiliar with NYC’s public health insurance system, or who need more information to connect community members who could potentially benefit from it. We train on a variety of topics including Medicaid, Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus, Medicare, and populations with special medical needs. We are very interested to hear the topics that you would want training on as well. At your convenience, the trainings can take place either at your site or at one of the NYC MCCAP agencies. For more information about the program, go to:
https://www.signup4.net/Upload/COMM11A/SUMM49E/MCCAP%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
You can also visit our website at http://www.nycmccap.org/. We look forward to hearing from you. Please contact mccap@cssny.org and provide your name, agency and the type of training you are looking for.

Advance Directives - Who Will Make Your Medical Decisions If You Can’t?
Protect Yourself by Taking Simple Steps Now

NYC Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene

(Feb. 2009) In this issue:
* NOW is the time to decide
* How to appoint a health care agent
* What Are Advance Directives?
* Hospice: Care and Comfort at the End of Life

Health Bulletin #67 is one in a series on issues of pressing interest to all New Yorkers. All Health Bulletins are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese, and many are available in other languages. For copies, call 311 or visit:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/public/dohmhnews7-12.pdf

Analysis of Five Health Insurance Options for New York Stat

New York State Health Foundation

(Jan. 2009) Estimates the increase in coverage, private insurance crowd-out, net cost, and change in overall health spending of five options for expanding health insurance, including a single-payer program, "building block" proposals, and a market-oriented option.

Available at http://nyshealthfoundation.org/content/document/detail/1498/

AFFILIATE MEMBER UPDATES

MAY 9, 2009, Saturday, 126th Annual Dinner, Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, NYC, Lutheran Healthcare for additional information contact: Cleopatra Maack, Tel: 914-761-7111, Fax: 914-761-7854 or Cleo@HRGinc.net

Click here for more....

Thursday, June 11th and Friday, June 12th 2009,
Essex House, 160 Central Park South, New York, New York, 8th Annual Urban Health Conference “Enhancing Community Partnerships: Reshaping Health Outcomes”, Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network, For Further Information Call: 718-579-5561

Geriatric Wellness Center Grand Opening Employment Opportunities

A new clinic we will be opening in Feb., our Geriatric Wellness Center. We are recruiting a director of the center and would appreciate any help in finding candidates for this position. Our Geriatric Center will provide seniors with one clinic that will coordinate primary care, behavioral health,dental, podiatry and nutritional services. It will also provide comprehensive social service assistance to seniors that need to access entitlements (food stamps applications, meals on wheels services, etc.), programs, and senior services. The clinic will also provide consultation and education about medications, and help with transportation to appointments. Please feel free to contact Joan Caiazzo at 718-963-8789 if you have any questions. Thank you.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 11, 2009
"Hispanic Nurses Day" at the Latin Kitchen come and enjoy a light buffet with Great music and dancing. This event will continue to support our students in their quest to complete their Nursing studies.

Contact: Dan Suarez, RN, MA, dsuarez@gannetthg.com

Sunday May 17, 2009
AIDS Walk New York , Central Park New York City, New York from 8:30am - 3:00pm

The AIDS Walk New York began in 1985 and is now the largest AIDS fundraiser in the world. Since 1986, AIDS Walk New York has raised more than $105 million for HIV programs and services in the tri-state area.

In 2008 alone, 45,000 participants, many of whom were members of 2,450 corporate and community teams, raised a record sum of over $7 million for Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) and 50 other local AIDS service organizations. GMHC is the world's most comprehensive provider of AIDS services for men, women and children.

The AIDS Walk begins and ends in Central Park. Walkers should enter the venue at the corner of the park at 59th St. and 5th Ave. to turn in their funds. It is 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and takes roughly 2-3 hours to complete.

Website: http://www.aidswalk.net/newyork

May 28, 2009,
Thursday, “100 Hispanic Women”, 13th Anniversary Gala, Hilton New York, For Further Information, Please Call: 212-239-1430

June 11, 2009,
La Fiesta, 6:00pm-11:00pm, Studion450 Penthouse, 450 West 31st Street, NYC, for further information: Millie Torres, RN, 212-604-3732, Theresa Maja-Schultz, RN, 212-604-3739

June 19, 2009
(Friday), 9th Annual Healthcare Diversity Awards Gala, Association Of Hispanic Healthcare Executives And The National Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce On Health, Marriott Marquis Hotel At Times Square sponsored by the National Office of the Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives and the National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on GO TO: www.AHHE.org

June 19, 2009
National Association of Hispanic Nurses, NY Chapter, “Hispanic Health Care Operational Imperatives: Dialogue, Education, Strategies Educational Forum 2009" 8am-5pm At the Beth Israel Medical Center . Phillips Ambulatory Care Center 10 Union Square East New York City, NY, 10003

Contact: Dan Suarez, RN, MA, dsuarez@gannetthg.com, CORNELL STATION, NAHN NY Chapter, Inc., PO BOX 640, BRONX, NY  10473

June 27, 2009,
14th Annual Fiesta San Juan, Sponsored By Urban Health Plan, For Further Information: Magaly Valentin, 718-589-1687, X 2835

June 30, 2009,
Urban Health Plan Golf Outing, For Further Information: 718-589-1687 X 2831

July 23, 2009 (Thursday),
National Hispanic Business Group, Jacqueline Pina, National Hispanic Business Group, 1230 Avenue of the Americas-7th fl, New York, NY 10020 E: info@nhbg.org, T: 212-265-2664, F: 212-265-2675, www.nhbg.org

August 23 - 26, 2009,
2009 National HIV Prevention Conference,At The Hyatt Regency Atlanta And The Atlanta Marriott Marquis, In Atlanta, GA The sixth National HIV Prevention Conference, Promoting Synergy Between Science and Program: Innovation and Action to End the Epidemic convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public, private, and government agencies announce a Call For Abstracts highlighting HIV prevention in the United States. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta and the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, in Atlanta, GA from August 23 - 26, 2009. This unique conference covers the entire spectrum of HIV prevention, from science to programs. It convenes HIV prevention experts and advocates from various backgrounds and communities nationwide.

In keeping with CDC's "Go Green, Get Healthy" initiative, the conference committee is adopting "greener" strategies. The Call for Abstracts as well as many formerly printed conference forms will all be electronic this year. Abstracts submission for the 2009 HIV Prevention Conference should be completed and submitted online from http://www.2009nhpc.org/. Authors may submit no more than two abstracts on which they are listed as the presenter. Abstracts are to be submitted in English only. All abstracts must be received by January 5, 2009. Any abstracts received after this date will not be considered. Each author submitting an abstract will receive an acknowledgement of receipt within five days. Authors who have submitted abstracts and have not received an acknowledgement within this period of time should contact the conference organizers immediately via e-mail at info@2009NHPC.org.

Numerous governmental and non-governmental organizations have committed their support to the 2009 National HIV Prevention Conference because it offers opportunities to * Share effective prevention approaches and research findings among governmental, community, and academic partners in HIV prevention; * Strengthen collaborations between program practitioners and researchers in areas including behavioral interventions, biomedical interventions, monitoring the epidemic, implementing rapid and reliable tests for early HIV diagnosis, and improving access to early treatment and prevention services for persons with HIV; * Address new cross cutting themes: Health Disparities, Intersecting Epidemics, HIV Stigma and Discrimination, Social and Structural Factors, Community Mobilization and Global Influence; and * Highlight the work of new researchers in the field of HIV prevention. Applicants to the program should be in the arena of HIV prevention and the lead author/researcher; the relevant research cannot have been previously published and should have been conducted toward the completion of a degree program (or within 5 years of graduation) using data collected since 2000. For more information about abstract submission or other questions regarding the conference please visit the conference website at http://www.2009nhpc.org/ or for additional assistance e-mail the conference organizers at info@2009NHPC.org.

November 7-11, 2009,
Latino Caucus Call For Abstracts, American Public Health Association 137th Annual Meeting & Expo, Philadelphia, PA

"Water and Public Health: the 21st Century Challenge." The Scientific Program Subcommittee of the APHA Latino Caucus invites students, educators, researchers, health professionals, and community members to submit their research, practice, and policy findings for dissemination at the annual conference. The theme of the 2009 conference is "Water and Public Health: the 21st Century Challenge."

More...

JOB POSTINGS

Title: Community Research Assistant

Essential Job Functions:

The Community Research Assistant will work on an NIH-funded health disparities grant that uses community-based participatory research to prevent diabetes through lifestyle changes. This individual will join current community and academic partners to prevent diabetes in East Harlem, a vibrant, multi-cultural, low income community.

To more information, click here

North Bklyn Health Network, Geriatric Wellness Center. Grand Opening Employment Opportunities

A new clinic we will be opening in Feb., our Geriatric Wellness Center. We are recruiting a director of the center and would appreciate any help in finding candidates for this position. Our Geriatric Center will provide seniors with one clinic that will coordinate primary care, behavioral health,dental, podiatry and nutritional services. It will also provide comprehensive social service assistance to seniors that need to access entitlements (food stamps applications, meals on wheels services, etc.), programs, and senior services. The clinic will also provide consultation and education about medications, and help with transportation to appointments. Please feel free to contact Joan Caiazzo at 718-963-8789 if you have any questions. Thank you.

HHS Student Employment Program (STEP/SCEP):

Who May Apply? Students who are currently accepted or enrolled at least half or part-time (typically a minimum of 6 semester hours) at an accredited 2 or 4 year trade school, college/university, graduate program, or high school.

http://www.hhs.gov/careers/student/apply/index.html and

https://jobs1.quickhire.com/scripts/hhs-elp.exe/runViewVacs

COMUNILIFE, INC., Position: Director of Outpatient Mental Health Clinic

Comunilife Inc, a multi-service, not-for profit, organization founded in 1989, provides a continuum of culturally competent mental health, social services, meals and housing for low-income individuals including homeless persons living with mental illness and HIV/AIDS. Its mission is to promote self-sufficiency, build a healthier tomorrow and increase the quality of life of underserved diverse communities in New York City.

For more information click here

Crisis Intervention Social Worker at ComuniLife

Description: We are seeking a Crisis Intervention Social Worker to assist hands own with our Turnaround for Children collaborative project. This project is a new, exciting initiative stemming through Comunilife's Outpatient Mental Health clinic with the goal to provide services to our hard to reach and at risk families with elementary school-aged children in the urban community. The goal of our clinical program is to provide services to our at risk families via creating a positive and receptive connection from one clinical setting to another educational environment.

For more information click here

Municipal Health Jobs

Employment Opportunities In The Federal Government

Congresswoman Solis asked that I share with you a letter regarding employment opportunities in the Federal government. Congresswoman Solis is committed to increasing diversity in the Federal government, and she hopes that you will find the information contained in her letter helpful. I look forward to continuing to work with you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Contact: Noelle Lee
Legislative Assistant, Office of Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32), 202-225-5464
noelle.lee@mail.house.gov, Visit www.house.gov/solis or view clips of Congresswoman Solis at work at www.youtube.com/rephildasolis

For more information click here

SCHOLARSHIPS / INTERNSHIPS

About the Hispanic College Fund

Founded in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides Hispanic high school and college students with the vision, resources, and mentorship needed to become community leaders and achieve successful careers in business, science, technology, engineering, and math.

The Hispanic College Fund has an annual budget of $6 million with 20 full-time employees. In 2006, the Hispanic College Fund received the Brillante award for "Nonprofit of the Year" from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and in 2007 was recognized by USA Today as one of the nation's top 25 charities.

Website: www.hispanicfund.org

2/8/09 Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) Is A Free (Full Tuition, Housing, And Meals) Six-Week Summer Academic Enrichment Program

that offers freshman and sophomore college students intensive and personalized medical and dental school preparation.
http://www.smdep.org/apply.htm

Brief ELPH-Emerging Leaders in Public Health- information

The Emerging Leaders in Public Health (ELPH) program prepares the next generation of committed public health leaders to manage and lead in times of uncertainty. This program prepares these leaders to expand their influence in their organizations and within their communities. The ELPH program is custom designed for public health (and related) professionals who want to improve their leadership skills for improved planning and decision-making and want to increase their professional network ELPH has embraced the idea that issues of racial and ethnic health disparities in the US can not be addressed without bringing key minority participants and others to the table for the decision-making process. In many instances, the community needs to identify with the leadership making these decisions to strengthen the outreach capability of America's health system.

The program website is: http://www.publichealthleaders.org/index.htm and the deadline is March 31, 2009. The 3 on-sites are scheduled for June 8-11, 2009, October 11-13, 2009 and February 24-26, 2010.

There is a tuition associated with the program. Tuition costs include instruction by nationally recognized faculty, leadership and learning materials, and on-site retreat accommodations and meals at a state-of-the-art conference facility.

The application requires:

• Basic information (school, job title, degrees, etc.)
• The name and contact information for a recommender
• A personal statement from you
• Recent resume

MAPH-Management Academy for Public Health Information

Invest in the health of your community at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Management Academy for Public Health.
APPLY NOW

Now, more than ever, public health needs to invest in their staff and their organizations to create sustainable, revenue-generating programs.

The Management Academy for Public Health (MAPH) prepares teams of health professionals for new management challenges in community health through a 9-month intensive program with 3 on-site retreats and distance learning activities. The program builds skills in managing money, people, data and partnerships. Using these skills and some of the best faculty in the country, each team writes and prepares to implement a public health business plan designed to address a key public health problem in their community.

The Management Academy has graduated over 1000 public health managers, including public health directors, nurse managers, environmental health specialists, social workers, finance managers, health educators and more.

See http://www.maph.unc.edu/ for the application and more information about this custom-designed public health and management program.
Dates:
August 3-6, 2009
October 26-28, 2009
April 19-21, 201

Director, Emerging Leaders in Public Health (ELPH)

Director, Management Academy for Public Health (MAPH)
Executive Education
North Carolina Institute for Public Health
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
Campus Box # 8165
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8165
Physical Address: 400 Roberson Street Carrboro, NC 27510
919-843-8541 (w)
336-255-2490 (c)
919-843-2629 (f)
monecia_thomas@unc.edu
http://www.maph.unc.edu/
http://www.publichealthleaders.org/

Alliance/Merck Ciencia (Science)
Hispanic Scholars Program

The National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance) has recently established the Alliance/Merck Ciencia (Science) Hispanic Scholars Program, a new partnership to improve Hispanic student access to higher education and degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The Alliance/Merck Ciencia Hispanic Scholars Program provides scholarships at twolevels:

• Alliance/Merck Ciencia Scholars - High School Seniors
• Ciencia National Scholarships - College STEM Majors

For more information, click here

HSHPS Is Now Recruiting For All of Our Government-Based Internships and Fellowships

HSHPS is accepting applications for the following programs:

• HSHPS/CDC Student Internship Program & HSHPS/CDC Student Fellowship Program
• HSHPS/NIOSH Student Internship Program & HSHPS/NIOSH Student Fellowship Program
• HSHPS/NCHS Internship Program

Click here to apply!

NCEH/ATSDR Is Hosting a Ten Week Paid Summer Internship for Undergraduate Students That Are Passionate About the Environment

At the National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, we hope to inspire students to gain awareness of the fascinating field of environmental health. This opportunity is for rising junior and rising senior students that are majoring inenvironmentalstudies and relatedfields.

For more information, click here

Tylenol Scholarships: the Program Helps Students Who are Pursuing Careers in the Healthcare, Life Sciences, or Related Fields Manage the Rising Costs of Education

• Scholarships awarded to students pursuing healthcare-related education at an accredited institution.
• Ten students will be awarded $10,000 scholarships.
• Thirty students will receive $5,000 grants.
• Applications must be received by May 15, 2009.

http://www.tylenol.com/page.jhtml?id=tylenol/news/subptyschol.inc

The Fulbright Scholar Program (Application Deadline Is August 1, 2009) Offers 69 Grants In Lecturing, Research Or Combined Lecturing/Research Awards In Environmental Science, including 4 Fulbright Distinguished Chairs, the African Regional Research Program and the Middle East and North Africa Regional Research Program. Even better, faculty and professionals in environmental science also can apply for one of the 144 "All Discipline" awards open to all fields.
What does Fulbright offer in environmental science? Here are a few of the awards for 2010-2011:

• Argentina-Uruguay Joint Award in Environmental Sciences, Award #0503
• Botswana, Award #0047: sustainable energy development, energy management
• Estonia, Award #0243: energy, construction management, grassland science and management
• Guinea, Award #0071: forestry management
• Panama, Award #0554: renewable energy
• Philippines, Award #0171: agriculture and fisheries management, waste management, natural resource management

The application deadline is August 1, 2009. U.S. citizenship is required. For a full, detailed listing of all the Fulbright programs and awards, other eligibility requirements, and an application, visit our website at www.cies.org, or send a request for materials to scholars@cies.iie.org .

Washington Dc Update from National Hispanic Medical Association – NHMA Net - April 2009

Health Care Reform 2009 – Congress and Senate Momentum
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman declared at the Families USA Conference in January - the need to build a system of universal coverage on the existing system of employer-sponsored health insurance, as well as Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Programs. He called the principles espoused by President Obama for a health overhaul exactly the right approach. Obama would build on the existing system, allowing those with employer coverage to keep what they have while also having the alternative of a public program of coverage.

"If we're going to succeed we've got to find common ground. We have to recognize that any successful approach has to reject the false dichotomy of everyone in a government plan, or everyone left to the mercies of a market-based approach. I believe that we must have a significant role for private insurance. But I believe that it's critically important that we have a public program alternative."

Senator Kennedy’s Office and Appointed Senate Working Committees Report out to 200 Stakeholders 2nd week of March – Sen. Harkin – Prevention; Sen. McCulsky – Quality and Sen. Bingamon – Health Delivery –their staff reported on their call for input, hearings and strategies for health care reform over the spring with the hope of legislation for July. Working groups also reported on the workforce needed for primary care, insurance reforms to decrease cost and increase outreach/access to new insured persons, quality measures, comparative effectiveness research needed for evidence based medicine.

NHMA president & CEO has been meeting with Racial/Ethnic Health Disparities Coalition and Senate staff writing the bill about Health Disparities priorities.

White House Health Care Reform Momentum
NHMA Members have provided regular input to the White House ---we provided the White House input from over 50 physicians and colleagues on the Community Priorities Report (on the White House website) and the Nominations for Administration leadership positions in health to the Transition Team in December and to the Presidential Personnel Office, CHC and NHLA and our partner minority health coalitions to increase our Latino numbers in public service to serve our communities.

Children’s Health Insurance Program Law Signed in February

White House Health Care Reform Summit, Mar. 5, 2009

President Obama invited 175 Congressmen and Senators and Key Stakeholers, including NHMA, NCLR presidents to the White House to begin the discussion on health care reform priorities. He said “But I'm here today, and I believe you are here today, because this time is different. This time, the call for reform is coming from the bottom up and from all across the spectrum, from doctors, from nurses, from patients, from unions, from businesses, from hospitals, health care providers, community groups. It's coming from mayors and governors, from legislatures. Democrats. Republicans. All who are racing ahead of Washington to pass bold health care initiatives on their own. This time, there is no debate about whether all Americans should have quality affordable health care. The only question is how.

And the purpose of this forum is to start answering that question. To determine how we lower costs for everyone, improve quality for everyone and expand coverage to all Americans.

Now, as we work to determine the details of health care reform, we won't always see eye to eye. We may disagree and disagree strongly about particular measures. But we know that there are plenty of areas of agreement as well, and that should serve as the starting points for our work.

We can all agree that if we want to bring down skyrocketing costs, we'll need to modernize our system and invest in prevention. We can agree that if we want greater accountability and responsibility we have to ensure that people aren't overcharged for prescription drugs or discriminated against for preexisting conditions, and we need to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse in government programs. I think most of us would agree that, if we want to cover all Americans, we can't make the mistake of trying to fix what isn't broken.

Congressman Becerra called for all Americans to be included, including immigrants. Congresswoman Lucille Roybal Allard called for diversity in the workforce. Elena Rios recognized one of the greatest changes since the Clinton reform effort was the expansion of the melting pot of America to all regions of the US, and the need to include culturally responsive prevention and treatment programs in this reform effort

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - Comprehensive Health Care Reform down Payment Of $600 Billion plus The Following

$19.5 billion - Health IT, $1 billion - Prevention Programs, $2.7 billion - Community Health Center Expansion to 1.9 million, $1.1 billion -Comparative Effectiveness Research – AHRQ and NIH, $1 billion primary care training and diversity (HCOP and COE each received $20 million), $150 million health insurance coverage for the States, $4.1 billion to Indian Health Service

First Obama Budget Calls For Major Health Programs - moving to Conference Committee over next week after being approved in both the Congress and the Senate in March.
New Administration Leadership:

Mary Wakefield, PhD, RN, Associate Dean for Rural Health, Univ. of North Dakota School of Medicine, Director of the Center for Rural Health at the UND, will be the next Administrator of HRSA Chief of Staff for United States Senator Kent Conrad and as Legislative Assistant and Chief of Staff to Senator Quentin Burdick. Dr. Wakefield has served as a member of the Medicare Payment AdvisoryCommission and the Department of Veterans Affairs' Special Medical Advisory Group. She served as Chair of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Committee on Health Care Quality for Rural America.

NHMA Program Report
NICHD Health Education Update

The National Institutes of Health Invites Medical and Scientific Societies to Join New Child and Maternal Health Education Program (including NHMA)

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is launching a new National Child and Maternal Health Education Program (NCMHEP) in an effort to address the challenges and opportunities of applying new knowledge from evidence based research into practice.

For more information, click here

HIV/AIDS & Other Grant Opportunites

Various Grant Opportunities HIV/AIDS, Substance Abuse, Research, Faith in Action and more. Grants

Click on Grants Link above

CMS Hispanic Research Grants 2009

The purpose of the Hispanic grant program is to implement Hispanic American health services research activities to meet the needs of diverse CMS beneficiary populations. The grant program is designed to: 1) Encourage health services and health disparities researchers to pursue research issues which impact Hispanic Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children's Health Insurance Program health services issues, 2) conduct outreach activities to apprise Hispanic researchers of funding availability to conduct research-related issues affecting Hispanic American communities to expand the pool of applicants applying for such grants, 3) assist CMS in implementing its mission focusing on health care quality and improvement for its beneficiaries, 4) support extramural research in health care capacity development activities for the Hispanic American communities, 5) promote research that will be aimed at developing a better understanding of health care services issues pertaining to Hispanic Americans, and 6) foster an network for communication and collaboration regarding Hispanic health care issues. Eligible researchers may request $100,000 per year for up to two (2) years for these grants.

Additional details are available at

Hispanic Health Services Research Grant Program or Overview

Please review Cover The Uninsured news digest featuring news summaries and opinions from around the nation. Click here to view the digest

IN THIS ISSUE

1. Feature Story
2. National News
3. Local and Regional News
4. Affiliate Members Updates
5. Upcoming Events
6. Health Jobs
7. Scholarships / Internships

NATIONAL CORPORATE PARTNERS

Long Term Care 101
It's getting harder to avoid the topic of long-term care (LTC) these days. Almost everyone knows someone who has received long-term care services, along with a story about its unexpected high cost. This has caused concern over what our own long-term care needs might be and for good reasons.
(read more)

Aetna's NYC Community PlanSM Enhanced with Two New Options, Lower Hospital Co-Pays and Richer Pharmacy Benefits -By Miguel Centeno, Vice President, Strategic Market Development. Small employers in New York City take note: Aetna has been listening to your important feedback on our NYC Community Plan, and in response, we've made this health plan a better, richer offering, at a lower price.

More Information

REGIONAL PARTNERS

NYP Hospital's vision is to be among the top academic medical centers in the nation in clinical and service excellence, patient safety, research and education. To achieve our vision, we are guided by the following strategic initiatives: Quality and Safety, People Development, Advancing Care, Financial and Operational Strength, Partnerships, and Serving Our Community.

STATE DELEGATE NETWORK

The State Delegate Network is an innovative partnership concept whereby we providefree monthly space on our
e-newsletterto nationalhealth advocacyassociationsfor them to showcase their organizations to a target audience of influential Hispanic leaders in healthcare and business. Join AARP NJ State Office, our first Partner

AARP New Jersey study finds Hispanics pay more for Prescription Drugs and Healthcare. For more information visit their website at www.aarp.org/nj and click on advocacy.

The American Diabetes Association would like to invite interested members of the AHHE/NHCCH to become more involved with our organization and the fight against diabetes.We currently have openings in our Corporate Development Committee and are looking for committed participants to help us in our fundraising efforts. For more information please contact Heather Considine Varian at 212/725-4925, ext. 3448or hcvarian@diabetes.org

Feria de Salud 2008. The planning has already begun for our successful annual health fair being held to be held for the 2nd year in the South Bronx - an area disproportionately impacted by diabetes and with a large Latino community. If you would like to help us plan this eventor think your corporation would like to become a sponsor, please contact Dorothy Harper at 212/725-4925, ext. 3414 or dharper@diabetes.org

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nelson Vega-Garcia
MHA, FACHE, CMPE, EFPM
AHHE Board Member

George Zeppenfeldt-Cestero
President, AHHE
President & CEO NHCCH

7th Annual Health Care Diversity Awards Gala Photos

PARTNERS

Professional Association Partners

1. Association of Hispanic Mental Health Professionals
2. Association of Puerto Rican/Hispanic Social Workers
3. Dominican Medical Association
4. Hispanic Dental Association
5. National Association of Hispanic Nurses
6. National Hispanic Medical Association

Professional Membership Associations

1. American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
2. Medical Group Management Association:
3. SUNY Downstate Medical Center, University Hospital of Brooklyn
4. New York University Medical Center
5. New York-Presbyterian Hospital
6. South Manhattan Healthcare Network/Bellevue Hospital Center
7. The Mount Sinai Hospital
8. Witt/Kieffer
9. St. Barnabas Hospital
10. Harlem Hospital Center, Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network
11. Lutheran Medical Center
12. Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center/North Brooklyn Health Network
13. Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center
14. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center