Rebecca Medina: Blogs

Policy Making

People will go to great lengths to make sure their voices are heard, and this is especially something I learned from the beginning of the conference. I realized this is an important part of the policy making process, while another component is without a doubt, compromising. I also learned that partnerships and resources, especially money is 'what make the world go round,' in other words; money is a green light to move policies forward. I learned to a great extent the power of building relationships and using those relationships as building blocks to move agendas forward. These agendas translate into ideas for potential policies. I look forward to learning more about policy making, especially understanding how policies trickle down to the local level and the impact these policies have on our Latino communities.

Networking and building relationships

If I could rename the conference, it would be Networking and Building Relationships Conference. The networking opportunities provided valuable experience to meet and greet high level officials and representatives from federal agencies. Like myself, others may benefit from tapping into a breadth of combined resources and knowledge, however, the conference wasn't just about meeting people, it was about establishing fundamental relationships. It was nice to see people's happiness and enthusiasm when sharing their professional experiences with me and I was happy to be a sponge and humbly take it all in. The networking experience was invaluable for me, and I know it would be the same for others.

...and more Healthcare Reform

It is increasingly clear that healthcare reform will have the most significant impact in our Latino community and I was eager to hear our President speak about this important issue at CHCI's Gala. I remember sitting in the table with the fellows, while the press bundled toward the front of the stage to make note of the President's remarks. "Todos somos Americanos" were the words President Obama resonated. I felt inspired by his words. I instinctively thought about my family, my neighbors, and friends, people in my community and neighbors in general, people I know firsthand who are afflicted by this issue. I'm passionate about public health and a huge proponent of healthcare reform so President Obama's remarks were of particular interest to me. On a similar note, I enjoyed learning more about health care reform in the summit moderated by Congresswoman Roybal-Allard. The Congresswoman and panel experts including health policy makers, nurses, physicians and analysts spoke about the legitimate concerns of our community, issues that negatively impact our Latino community such as cost, quality and access to culturally and linguistically appropriate health care. We know that our country doesn't have the best care in the world; we have the best care for those who can afford it, therefore it was gratifying to listen to the sentiments of people in the room denounce any bills circulating in congress that will compromise quality or access to healthcare. When speaking of healthcare reform, Hispanics are a tough sell. These days, when healthcare reform is discussed, immigration too is discussed as a tagline. With lawmakers already immersed in health care, many are using this as a platform to speak about the importance of immigration reform. I agree that one of the most underserved populations in this country is the Latino community. We need health care and immigration reform. This was a clear message echoed throughout the conference. I look forward to the day I share with my kids the fervent joy I felt listening to President Obama and Congresswoman Roybal-Allard speak on healthcare and immigration reform.