The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50536

Peter Beilenson, MD, MPH¹, Ana Suero-Lopez², Claude-Alix Jacob, MPH², and Angelo Solera². (1) Baltimore City Department of Health, 210 Guilford Ave., 3rd Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202, (2) Office of Hispanic Affairs, Baltimore City Health Department, 210 Guilford Avenue, 2nd Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-396-1562, Peter.Beilenson@baltimorecity.gov

The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) serves as the nation's oldest city health department. Its mission is to ensure all Baltimoreans access to comprehensive, quality health services and care, as well as to ensure a healthy environment. The Office of Hispanic Affairs (OHA) was founded in August 2000 through the efforts of the Mayor and Health Commissioner in response to the marked increase of the Hispanic population in Baltimore City. Census data estimate that the city has experienced a significant change in its Hispanic population that increased from 6,667 in 1990 to over 12,000 individuals as of Census 2000. Consequently, healthcare providers throughout the city have become more proactive in finding ways to remove barriers faced by this population. OHA serves as a neighborhood catalyst by informing, referring, advocating, and serving members of the Hispanic community. The Office of Hispanic Affairs participates in community-based outreach and education by collaborating in local events along with outside agencies. Major accomplishments of this office include the translation of materials / signage into Spanish, the recruitment of bilingual staff and student volunteers, the provision of cultural competency and sensitivity training for staff, and a citywide conference that highlighted barriers to care for Latinos. The healthcare system has not had appropriate tools and resources to improve the way that health services are delivered to the Hispanic population. The Office of Hispanic Affairs plays an instrumental role in the implementation of comprehensive strategies that address barriers to healthcare experienced by Hispanics in Baltimore City.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, participants will recognize successful strategies used to serve cultural & linguistic minorities, gain a better understanding of the value of collaborations in sustaining community-based initiatives, and will discuss the key components involved in the design of an Office of Hispanic Affairs.

Keywords: Hispanic, Access to Health Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Baltimore City Health Department
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.