Articles by Julia Weis

How Latinos Can Avoid Disinformation During Election Season

October 22, 2020

Fake news. Alternative Facts. Propaganda. In an election year, disinformation is rampant. Political candidates and organizations may aim to mislead the public about their opponents to get voters in their favor. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in disinformation from foreign countries seeking to confuse Americans even more. Latinos are particularly at risk of being victims of disinformation in an election year. Many false claims about voting and candidates take aim at Latino voters. It’s important that we learn what disinformation is, how it affects Latinos, and how to avoid it this election season. What is Disinformation? Disinformation is false information deliberately and often covertly spread in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth, according to ...

Ángela García: Helping Her Community Through Art and a Free Fridge

October 21, 2020

Ángela García wasn’t planning on becoming an artist. She entered college in the pre-med track, intending to go into a medical career. But then she started taking art history classes. And she kept taking them, despite still being in the pre-med track. “I was like, ‘You know what? I don’t like this. Maybe I don’t like the sciences as much as I thought I did. And I’m really interested in this art history curriculum.’ So, I switched over at the end of my sophomore year,” García said. Now she’s a senior art history major at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, with several large-scale art projects under her belt, having rekindled a passion for creative work from her childhood. “I used to do painting when I was younger but I kind of fell out of it for a ...

Universities across the U.S. Move to Address Systemic Racism

October 20, 2020

With student pressure, universities across the nation are beginning to make statements and take action to address the systemic racism that impacts students, staff, and faculty of color. These statements from universities come as a result of the Black Lives Matter movement. As the discussion about injustices that Black people, Latinos, and other people of color face from law enforcement and other authorities continues to grow, it gave room for students to confront university administrators about racial injustices happening on campuses. Many universities are committing to change and putting new policies in place. Others are making statements in solidarity, but with less of a commitment to change. How can students be sure their universities are serious about these ...

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day: Highlighting the Disparities in the Latino LGBTQ Community

October 15, 2020

HIV and AIDS are a serious threat to the Latino community. Latinos make up about 29% of new HIV diagnoses, despite being 18.5% of the population, according to the CDC. The number of HIV diagnoses among Latinos is growing, especially in the LGBTQ community. About 85% of Latinos who have HIV/AIDS are gay or bisexual men, according to a new research report from ViiV Healthcare, an organization focused on fighting HIV. The study, released shortly before National Latino AIDS Awareness Day on Oct. 15, 2020, indicates the need to address this vulnerable community. About the Study: Here as I Am ViiV Healthcare’s new report is called Here as I Am: A Listening Initiative with Latinx Gay and Bisexual Men Affected by HIV. The report includes a six-month community-based research study ...

Study: Americans are Delaying Cancer Screenings, Believe Racism Affects Health Care

October 13, 2020

Almost 60% of Americans believe that racism can impact the health care an individual receives, according to the National Cancer Opinion Survey conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The survey also found that about two-thirds of Americans have skipped or delayed scheduled cancer screenings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is disproportionately harming Latinos. These results have wide-ranging implications for preventative care and the perception of health care disparities in the United States. About the Survey on Racism, Health Care The National Cancer Opinion Survey is conducted annually. This year, ASCO surveyed over 4,000 U.S. adults older than 18, with over 1,000 of them former or current cancer patients. “This survey assesses Americans’ ...

How Cities are Using Community-Based Workers for Effective Contact Tracing

September 29, 2020

As we continue the battle against COVID-19, public health authorities are urging cities to increase their contact tracing efforts. “Contact tracing is key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and helps protect you, your family, and your community,” according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. But identifying people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and tracking their whereabouts and potential infection sources has its challenges. People may be skeptical to release information to contact tracers calling on the phone if they’re wary of scams. And because COVID-19 disproportionately affects Latino and other minority communities, there may be a language barrier or sense of fear when discussing health information with state employees. What can be done to face ...

The Rise of Implicit Bias Training

September 22, 2020

Bias. We see it in the media every day. We see how police officers disproportionately target people of color. We see how COVID-19 affects Latino and Black people more than white people, which has brought racial disparities in healthcare to light. How do we address this bias? Many states are turning to mandatory implicit bias training for state employees. What is implicit bias? Implicit bias is defined as preconceived notions, or stereotypes, that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions about others—at a level beyond our conscious control, according to a Salud America! research review. This kind of bias happens when stereotypes influence your brain processing. Stereotypes like these then influence your actions and judgments: A widely held, simplified, and ...

#SaludTues Tweetchat 9/29: How a Community-Based Workforce Advances Health Equity

September 22, 2020

Latinos are disproportionately impacted by the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. To reduce inequities, local and state leaders need to ensure Latinos and others from highly impacted communities are embedded in response and recovery. That’s where a community-based workforce comes in. During a pandemic, community-based workforce principles can help cities expand contact tracing and identify risk; support psychological, social, and primary care services; and mitigate the impact of unemployment. Join #SaludTues on Sept. 29, 2020, at 1:00 PM EST to tweet about how telehealth providers can reach underserved populations. WHAT: #SaludTues Tweetchat: “How a Community-Based Workforce Advances Health Equity” DATE: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020 TIME: 1:00-2:00 p.m. ...

Marcelino Serna, Latino WWI Veteran, Gets Texas Legislative Medal of Honor, After He Faced Discrimination

September 11, 2020

Advocates Petition to Award Latino WWI Veteran Marcelino Serna a Medal of Honor, After He Faced Discrimination

Marcelino Serna is remembered as Texas’ most-decorated World War I veteran. Serna was the first Latino man to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and was awarded more than 10 other awards for his bravery and service in the Battles of St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne. But he never received the most prestigious military award: The Medal of Honor. Latino advocates are petitioning the U.S. Army and federal government to posthumously award Serna the Medal of Honor, arguing that he was denied the award because he was a Mexican immigrant. “That Private Serna served during a time of extreme prejudice cannot and must not erase his acts of immense bravery and devotion to the United States,” wrote the Mexican American Legislative Caucus of Texas in a letter to the U.S. Army, ...

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Julia Weis

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