A Surge in Public Health Interest

Are college students today becoming more interested in health related careers?  According to an article in the Washington Post today the answer would be yes.  College campuses across the country are increasing their offerings in public and global health to meet the surging student demand.  My first reaction was; is this an opportunistic response to the growing demand for health care professionals both nationally and abroad?   Do young people recognize the immediate opportunities that are out there for them in health related careers once they graduate?  In most of the U.S. urban markets, including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, the demand is so stark that students typically have job offers well before they even graduate.  To my surprise, the article refreshingly points to a youth movement that is "communitarian" and action oriented.  Young people want to make a difference in their communities and in the broader global community. Focusing on global health issues is their strategy to do it.  

Then I got to thinking about the growing demand for bilingual health care professionals.  It is well documented that the Hispanic population in the U.S. is growing exponentially--which invariably leads to a growing bilingual, bicultural population.  One of the best health care career pathways to address the growing need for bilingual health care professionals resides at the National Council of La Raza (NCLR).  The NCLR Health Care Career Pathways Initiative works with its Affiliates to link the nation’s future labor force with dynamic industries by creating innovative and replicable partnership models that prepare, retain, and advance Latino workers in quality careers. Through the NCLR Health Care Career Pathways Initiative, NCLR funds and strengthens existing Affiliate programs by incorporating strategies that support the upward mobility and skills acquisition of Latinos in the health care industry. 

The best example of this comprehensive approach to developing Latino health care professionals is the Carreras en Salud model in Chicago.  This award winning program is administered by Instituto del Progreso Latino, an established organization that has been doing tremendous work on Chicago's south side for many years.  The program is a braided initiative that weaves social supports, like case management and job development with integrated educational support to bridge the gap between limited English proficient individuals and high-paying Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) positions.

Since its implementation in early 2005, over 700 students have enrolled in Carreras en Salud – 85 bilingual and bicultural mostly Latina students completed the program and attained their LPN. Graduates have doubled their salaries, earning on average $40,000 per year. 

A great example of personal and economic empowerment during Hispanic Heritage month.

    

The Plight of the Farm Worker

In the midst of a national housing crisis, what largely goes unnoticed is the deplorable, inhumane living conditions of the farm worker.  Our national focus remains the recent subprime mortgage snafu, while hundreds of agricultural laborers are denied the dignity of basic shelter for themselves and their families.  Many of these laborers who work tirelessly in grueling conditions are sleeping underneath trucks, in parking-lots or camping in the orchards.

Aside from the living conditions, these workers labor in triple-digit temperatures 10-12 hours a day so we can enjoy produce on our dinner tables.  In fact, a 63 year old mother of nine recently died from dehydration and heat stroke having endured back breaking labor in 111 degree heat. Her death marked the 6th heat related death in the fields in a 3 month period.

We cannot ignore these violations of basic human rights nor should we allow people to be flippant about a person's citizenship in the face of these conditions.  The right to safe drinking water, food and basic shelter should be afforded to EVERYONE regardless of age, gender, race or creed.  

During Hispanic Heritage month, take the time to research Cesar Chavez and his lasting legacy to improve the lives of the poorest and most powerless members of our workforce.  Visit the United Farm Workers website to see how you can make a difference to improve the plight of agricultural workers.  But most importantly, when eating your fruits and vegetables at the dinner table, be mindful that there is exploitation and injustice happening in the fields--and we can do something about it.     

Paving the Way for Future Generations

September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage month. Festivities will take place throughout the country and in our own great state of New Mexico to celebrate the people who helped pave the way for people like me. September 15th was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. They all declared independence in 1821. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Have we come a long way? Absolutely. Do we still have a lot of work to do to improve the way Latinos live and work in this country? You bet. It is important however to take a moment to reflect on some of the great strides we’ve made. Cesar Chavez single-handedly began an entire movement to improve the plight of Latino workers. U.S. Senator Dennis Chavez of New Mexico was the first United States Senator of Hispanic origin. As for me, I will be thinking of these national leaders who helped shape our heritage and our lives in this country. In addition, I will be thinking of my own heroes in life, who taught me strength in faith and unity in family.


I will be thinking of my Grandma, who cared for us when we were sick by giving us “remedios” instead of the western medicine prescribed to us. I will think of the smell of fresh tortillas in her kitchen, her faith in God, and her ability to connect an entire family with tradition, faith and love. She will not appear in a history book, or in an internet google search, but she taught me how to keep my Mexican heritage and succeed in America. Be sure to take a moment to honor your heroes who helped pave the way for future generations.

Alicia M. Manzano is a member of the Hispanic Statement of Cooperation.  She is an expert in fund development and marketing with special emphasis in Latino marketing.