...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.
