Search Results for "rural"

New Cancer Cases Projected to Surpass 2M Historical High


breast cancer screening

New cancer cases are projected to surpass 2 million in 2024 - a first in for the U.S., according to American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures 2024 report.  The landmark projection amounts to 5,500 diagnoses a day.  The American Cancer Society attributes the rise in cases to a growing and aging population along with an increase in diagnoses of six common cancers – breast, prostate, endometrial, pancreatic, kidney, and melanoma.  In addition, the organization is projecting over 611,000 deaths from cancer in 2024, a .19% increase from 2023. That is more than 1,600 deaths each day!  While cancer is prevalent across all people, it disproportionately continues to affect some groups, such as Latinos.  Cancer in Latinos  Cancer is a top cause of death for ...

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Comment Now: Help Close the Digital Divide in Texas!



Having fast, affordable internet can improve lives with access to education, healthcare, and jobs, among other important opportunities.  But nearly 7 million Texans are being left behind, without high-speed internet.   With this in mind, the Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) is encouraging public comments on the proposed Texas Digital Opportunity Plan.   The digital opportunity plan focuses on “closing the digital divide in Texas and ensuring every Texan has the skills and abilities to fully and safely utilize broadband access.”   Submit a comment on the draft plan to address broadband access, affordability, and adoption in Texas by Friday, Jan. 5, 2024.   Comment NOW! Why Is the Digital Divide an Issue?  About 2.8 million Texas households are in the ...

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Are COVID-19 Vaccines Free for Children?



Latino and Black parents were less likely than White parents to say they felt their child was “very safe” from COVID-19 when they were at school, according to a recent study.  How can you protect your children?   Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your children against the worst outcomes of the virus – and COVID-19 vaccines are available and free for children!  Let’s explore how “You’re Covered” against COVID-19!  COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Children  As of Sept. 12, 2023, CDC recommends that everyone ages 5 and older get one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.  CDC recommends the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax, to protect against ...

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#SaludTues 10/3/2023: Addressing Inadequate Transportation to Improve Health


Addressing Inadequate Transportation to Improve Health

Many Americans face transportation challenges that threaten quality of life. When burdened by transportation costs and lack of safe, feasible options, families are forced to make tradeoffs, such as foregoing spending on food and medications or skipping trips to essential destinations such as medical care, the grocery store, workforce development, and other resources, and services. Inadequate transportation not only contributes to differences in health but also contributes to differences in social and economic outcomes which exacerbate differences in health outcomes. To reduce differences and improve overall health, we need both individual-level and community-level strategies to mitigate the symptoms and consequences of inadequate transportation. Let’s use #SaludTues on ...

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Join Komen’s Patient Navigation Training Program



Susan G. Komen, a national breast cancer research organization, has launched its Navigation Nation interactive learning community for patient navigators – those who help guide cancer patients to overcome challenges toward quality healthcare.  The program brings individuals through a Patient Navigation Training Program and access to courses, webinars, and other educational events.  “The training program gives navigators the tools and resources to overcome [challenges] for those experiencing breast health [inconsistencies] and provides a peer network and support system,” according to the Komen website.    Learn more about this free program and what it entails, and how you can join.   What is Komen’s Patient Navigation Training Program?  This program was designed ...

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CDC: Mistreatment During Maternity Care Contributes to Poor Maternal Health


mistreatment maternity care

Despite the heaviest spending on healthcare, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations. Sadly, this historic trend has worsened over time and impacts many women in overlooked populations. The reasons for America’s maternal health crisis is multi-faceted, but a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vital Signs survey highlights one potential reason for this worsening health trend – mistreatment of women by healthcare workers during pregnancy and delivery care. Let’s explore the survey results and how mistreatment during maternity care affects Latinas and all women. Mistreatment During Maternity Care The survey, which included data from 2,402 women, found that 1 in 5 women (20%) experienced mistreatment by healthcare ...

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Rosa Escalante Lopez: Resilient Latina Overcomes Health Crisis to Help Latinos Heal Invisible Wounds



A young Rosa Escalante Lopez curiously looked around the therapist’s room as her mother and the therapist chatted in Spanish. “The elementary school thinks she may have a learning disability,” Rosa’s mother said. “She’s struggling in math.” “According to my evaluation, your daughter is developing normally,” the therapist said with a smile. “She can continue to the next grade; she may just need extra tutoring in her math class.” As the two continued to talk, Rosa reflected on her session with the therapist. She was fascinated with the idea of helping people heal a wound that may not be visible, such as a learning disability or a mental health condition. “In my last year of elementary school, I remember thinking, ‘I'm going to be a psychologist and ...

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Serving the Medically Underserved: Guadalupe Clinic Brings Goodwill to Wichita Latinos


Guadalupe Clinic patient

The drive to Guadalupe Clinic from rural Coffeyville, Kansas, was just over two hours, but it felt like a lifetime for the Pascual family. As their older vehicle putted along the back roads, the Pascuals anxiously awaited much-needed medical care. With no health insurance and limited income, getting basic healthcare was a constant struggle. Finally, the family’s car turned onto St. Francis Street in downtown Wichita, Kansas. Their destination was nestled between two scrap metal yards and surrounded by railroads and small housing lots. Pulling into the parking lot, the Pascuals breathed a sigh of relief. They had safely reached the Guadalupe Clinic and were welcomed with open arms – no questions asked. For families like the Pascuals, Guadalupe Clinic in Wichita, ...

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How Many Latinos Graduate College?



About half of Latinos who enroll in a four-year college do not end up graduating, according to a new analysis from ¡Excelencia in Education!  Latinos’ college graduation rate (52%) also is lower than their White peers (65%).   How can we increase Latino college graduation rates?   Let’s dive into to the numbers and explore how to close the Latino education gap, and better support Latino students.    Latino College Graduation by the Numbers  28% of Latino adults (age 25 and older) currently have an associate degree or higher, compared to 48% of White adults.  To better understand that gap, the new analysis from ¡Excelencia in Education! highlights 4 measures that track degree completion:  1. Graduation Rate: Total percentage of students who graduated within ...

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