Report Sheds Light on Hunger & Homelessness Problem for Many College Students


college enrollent among Latinos students studying

For many Latinos, the dream of going to and attending college is a lifelong dream. More and more are enrolling in two- and four-year colleges and universities. While the numbers don’t quite match other racial and ethnic minorities, more Latinos are earning secondary degrees. However, for many, the college experience quickly turns from dream to nightmarish. Because of the expenses associated with education, many students suffer from food insecurity and are homeless. “‘Homeless college student’ seems like a contradiction in terms,” said Paul Toro, a psychology professor at Wayne State University who studies poverty and homelessness in an interview with The New York Times. “If you’re someone who has the wherewithal to get yourself into college, well, of course you ...

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New York to Give Tuition-Free College to Middle Class Students



Educational attainment is one of the key determinants of health. While Latinos have made great strides in attaining greater education – the Latino high school dropout figures are at all-time lows and more are enrolling in two- and four-year universities – there is still a long way to go before they are achieving secondary degrees at the level of whites. In the state of New York (18.4% Latino population) the dream of attending college just got a lot easier for many. Governor Andrew Cuomo introduced a plan for tuition-free college in January and state lawmakers approved the plan mid-April. For residents who earn up to a specific “income cap,” tuition will be free. The income figure will be determined over the next three years. Starting this fall, however, students whose ...

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Graphic Novel Illustrates the Importance of Health Equity



Latinos are the nation’s largest racial/ethnic minority group. They are expected to grow from 1 in 6 people today to 1 in 4 by 2035 and 1 in 3 by 2060. Many Latinos suffer vast differences in health conditions, also called health disparities, compared to whites. Health inequities are at play that create these disparities. Several of these are rooted in social disadvantage based on Latinos’ lack of opportunities for educational attainment, residential segregation, and a lack of access to care. The Center for Health Progress has recently completed a project that looks to tackle the question of health equity and inequity in a unique way. In order to reduce health disparities, it is critical to address inequities in programs, practices, and policies. Join our site, ...

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Massachusetts will pay for AP STEM Exams for Low-Income Students



For many Latinos, the dream of attaining an education beyond high school is unreachable. Whether it is a lack of access, a lack of funds, or a lack of resources, many just do not have the option of going to college. In Massachusetts (10.56% Latino population), some of those barriers are about to be eliminated thanks to an initiative from the state’s STEM Advisory Council. Gov. Charlie Baker announced that the state will pay $326,000 to pay for advanced placement exams in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects for low-income students. “Massachusetts has one of the fastest growing innovation economies in the nation, and it is important we continue to develop a strong pipeline of skilled workers to fill critical job openings in STEM fields,” Governor Charlie ...

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Telehealth is Working for Latinos in South Carolina



“Telehealth” or “Telemedicine,” as it sometimes called, refers to traditional clinical diagnosis and monitoring that is delivered by technology. It has proven to be an exciting breakthrough in medicine and has been used in wide array of situations to diagnose and manage symptoms, in education, and other related fields of health care, including: dentistry, counseling, physical and occupational therapy, home health, and chronic disease monitoring and management. For those who are infirmed or in hard to reach rural areas, telehealth has proven to be great resource for both the patients and health care providers. According to the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can best be thought of as a way to increase the contact between a patient and their medical ...

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New Rankings Show Healthiest & Least Healthy Counties in Texas



It is a well-known fact: where you live impacts your overall well-being. Environment greatly impacts health, education, employment, access to opportunity, and long-term success. Latinos often face inequities and disparities due to barriers created by their environments. Many have to live in low-income and high-poverty and high-crime neighborhoods with little access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities. A recent ranking has determined the healthiest and least healthy counties in the heavily Latino populated state of Texas (38.42% Latino population). In order to reduce health disparities, it is critical to address inequities in programs, practices, and policies. Join our site, connect with others, and get involved. According to newly released data ...

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New Poll Reveals Young People’s Opinions on Health Care



Overall, most young people in the United States want any health care overhaul by the current Presidential Administration to “strongly resemble” the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which was signed into law under President Barack Obama. A new poll by GenForward found that the majority of young Americans – age 18-30 – think the federal government should be responsible for ensuring that all Americans have health insurance. “I do believe the government should offer it because we pay taxes,” said Rachel Haney, 27, of Tempe, AZ in an interview with the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “I do feel like it's a right.” However, the one main caveat that the majority of those surveyed agreed upon was the requirement that all Americans purchase health care or face a fine. The Affordable ...

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How Can Businesses Impact the Obesity Problem?



Childhood obesity is a serious public health concern in the United States. About 12.7 million children and adolescents aged 2–19 years, or 17 percent of the population, have obesity. For minorities, the statistics are even more troubling. Nearly 40% of Latino children are overweight or obese (higher rates than both white and black children), placing a significant burden on the current and future state of Latino health. The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) has recently released a discussion paper in which they analyze the role that local businesses can play in alleviating this the childhood obesity epidemic. Per the report (and in line with Salud America’s research) a lack of access to affordable, healthy foods, the absence of physical activity in schools and childcare ...

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Housing Segregation Results in Lower Pay & Education



It has long been known that where you live greatly impacts a person’s overall life and their potential future success. Environment affects health, income, education, and access to opportunities. Many Latinos are often forced to live in low-income, high-poverty, and high-crime areas through a variety of obstacles and barriers put into their paths. A report from the Metropolitan Planning Council and Urban Institute attempted to determine the real cost of racial segregation in housing. According to the report, this situation is costing the country as a whole billions of dollars each year. “Our study documents the relationships between segregation and the incomes, educations and safety of a metropolitan region’s residents,” said Greg Acs, the director of the Income and Benefits ...

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