March 19, 1999
NHMA Launches Leadership Programs For Hispanic Doctors
Washington, D.C. — Officials of the National Hispanic Medical Association announced they are teaming up with the White House in a new program aimed at insuring nearly 11 million children who lack health insurance—an estimated 25 percent are Hispanic.
"One out of three Hispanics in this country have no health insurance and that figure is even higher for Hispanic children," said Dr. Elena Rios, president of the National Hispanic Medical Association. "President's Clinton's program would help all parents make sure that each child in the nation has access to proper health care."
At the group's convention in Washington, D.C., March 19-21, the National Hispanic Medical Association also will launch several leadership program, targeting Hispanic doctors, medical residents and medical students. Physicians from across the U.S. will gather here for the group's third annual convention called, "A National Agenda: Increasing The Number Of Healthy Hispanic Families."
"We want to identify doctors who are interested in becoming national leaders so they can help create policy programs that improve health care for Hispanic communities," said Rios, a Washington health policy expert.
About 20 doctors will be selected for a leadership fellowship program each year in New York and Washington. During the program, fellows will attend New York University's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service where they will learn about state and federal health policies.
In the fall, a leadership program for medical residents will be launched in California. In Texas, a mentorship program for 100 Hispanic medial students was launched in January at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. The program pairs Hispanic students with doctors for career guidance.
"One way Hispanic doctors can now serve as leaders in their communities is by getting the word out that children do not have to go without medical care," said Rios. "They can help spread the word that health care insurance is now available."
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) helps parents seek Medicaid or state health coverage for their children in a campaign called, "Insure Kids Now." For many families, their income is so low they cannot afford to buy health insurance, said Rios. Others may qualify for Medicaid but fail to apply due to language barriers, lack of knowledge, intimidation and other factors, she said.
"As a result, research shows that the uninsured are sicker than other people," said Rios. "Now there is a cure to this nationwide problem and all of us can help." More information about the program is available by calling toll-free 1-877-Kids-Now.
The National Hispanic Medical Association is a non-profit organization that represents Hispanic physicians and others dedicated to improving health care for Hispanics. Dr. Rios can be reached at NHMA, 1700 17th St. NW, Suite 405, Washington, D.C. 20009, and at (202)265-4297.
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