Latinx Parenting, both an online and in-person bilingual organization, is not only rooted in social justice and intergenerational healing, but in the rights and well-being of Latinx children, who, make up 26 percent of the nation’s total child population. To best serve Latinx families, Latinx Parenting offers a multitude of workshops and courses, such as Decolonized Nonviolent Parenting, Ending Chancla Culture and Healing the Madre Wound, for families and current and former Latinx children. CALÓ NEWS spent time with Leslie Priscilla, Latinx Parenting’s founder, to discuss her own Latinx childhood experience, the inner workings and offerings of the organization and additional resources.
Category: Health
COMMENTARY: Immigrants and children need better prenatal care policies
Undocumented immigrants living in the United States are less likely to have the prenatal care they need compared to other immigrants and U.S. citizens. They may lack financial resources, access to health care providers and have difficulty navigating the health care system.
Mamí & Me: I’m a first-time mom during RSV season, overprotective and not sorry
Having a baby diagnosed with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) when he was 4-months-old was overwhelming for me because I am a first-time mom. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. My primary concern as a parent is keeping my child safe and healthy. In unpredictable times, it can be hard to ensure his well-being when he faces challenges like these
COMMENTARY: Stay safe from COVID-19 this holiday season
Latinx people are among the groups that are one and a half times more likely to contract the virus and twice as likely to die from COVID-19.
VERONIQUE DIAZ, Latina healthcare worker shares pandemic experience
Diaz is a mother of three children; two boys and a girl. She started as a volunteer at Clinica Romero when one of her children was in high school. “Someone from Clinica Romero gave us a workshop one day and I raised my hand and participated,” Diaz said. Around that time, a promotora from Clinica Romero mentioned to Diaz that she would be a good candidate as a community health worker. “I told the promotora I was too shy for that and that I couldn’t do that, but she convinced me and here I am, six years later.
More states may extend postpartum Medicaid coverage beyond two months
Lawmakers in several conservative-led states — including Montana, Wyoming, Missouri, and Mississippi — are expected to consider proposals to provide a year of continuous health coverage to new mothers enrolled in Medicaid. Thirty-five states and Washington, D.C., have already extended, or plan to extend, postpartum eligibility in their Medicaid programs.
Community health workers are vital links in Latino communities
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in partnership with Community Health Councils and Team Friday, released a new video series called “COVID-19 Diaries – A Day in the Life of a Community Health Worker.” The nine-part video series highlights the personal stories of community health workers in LA County who have serviced nearly 6 million residents since the pandemic began. In the series, the community health workers share their personal experiences of being front-line workers in a worldwide pandemic.
LINDA LOERA brings awareness to how Alzheimer’s impacts Latinos
Alzheimer’s Disease remains an Alzheimer’s Disease remains front-and-center for many Latinos and family members. There is a high chance that most of us are aware of someone whose life has been affected by Alzheimer’s disease, whether it is family or a friend. Approximately 13% of Latinos who are 65 or older have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Loera is a community outreach specialist with the Alzheimer’s Association, in Southern California. In addition to educating the community about Alzheimer’s disease and participating in community events to bring awareness, she provides information and support to families and caregivers.
COMMENTARY: Lack of diversity in healthcare is killing people of color
I am named after my great-grandmother; a curandera (healer) in the mountains of El Salvador, who only had a formal education up to first grade. For her whole adult life, people travel from surrounding villages to be healed by la niña Marcela. I grew up using herbs that have no English names, and having my mother and aunts use everyday herbs like garlic for multiple healing purposes. As a minority in my field (92% white), my upbringing has provided an awareness that a majority of my colleagues lack.
TIFFANY ROMO, health manager for LA County helps Latinos fight COVID-19
At the height of the pandemic, there were nearly 900 workers across LA County; the number now is around 400, said Tiffany Romo, health program manager at the Los Angeles Department of Public Health. As a health program manager at the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Romo manages projects and implements community outreach planning as well as writing grants. “I love my job because I get to serve my community and help people improve their health and well-being,” Romo said.
National Diabetes Month: Program offers community care for Latino youth
November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the United States bring attention to this chronic and long-lasting health condition. Diabetes affects the way one’s body turns food into energy and, until this day, although it can be treated and controlled, there is no fundamental cure for it. One of the communities most affected by diabetes is Latinos. U.S. adults overall have a 40% chance of developing Type 2 diabetes over their lifetime. Latino adults have more than a 50% chance of being diabetic and are more likely to develop it at a younger age.
AUDREY ALONSO, fights for enviro justice, makes crucial info accessible
Alonso, 25, of Fresno, CA, was raised by her parents and grandparents. Both of her grandparents were agricultural workers and taught her how to take care of the plants they harvested. They also showed her little tricks to save money and be environmentally friendly, like line-drying their laundry. By the age of five, Alonso recalls being in love with the earth and the environment.