Paying Tribute to Hispanic Americans Within Compassion & Choices and Beyond
Activities around Hispanic Heritage Month and other outreach are helping Compassion & Choices raise awareness of end-of-life issues to diverse populations nationwide.
Sep 25, 2020 Hispanics/Latinos September 2020 Newsletter
In observance of Hispanic Heritage month, September 15 - October 15, Compassion & Choices ramped up its already robust efforts to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans, and to offer education and resources on end-of-life options and planning.
The celebration began with honoring our Hispanic/Latino staff, who will be highlighted on Compassion & Choices’ Facebook and invited to share their stories and sentiments throughout the month. “Being able to add a personal layer of cultural understanding to end-of-life care issues, particularly with Hispanic legislators and those who serve predominantly Hispanic constituencies, gives depth to the conversation of ending racial disparities that disproportionately impact our community,” says Federal Manager Anthony Hinojosa in a post. National Latino Outreach Manager María Otero shares in another: “My Hispanic heritage is a source of tremendous pride, and I feel grateful to bring the gifts of our shared traditions, values and culture to the work I do. I have the opportunity to raise awareness and give the Hispanic and Spanish-speaking community the tools they need to empower them on their end-of-life journey.”
We introduced a Spanish-language option on our free End-of-Life Consultation call-in line to increase accessibility among non-English-speaking audiences. And we participated in several recent webinars as well: two with the National Hispanic Medical Association as part of their COVID-19 series, and one in Spanish with the National Hispanic Council on Aging.
Our collaboration with Ventanillas de Salud (VDS), a national health outreach program implemented by the Mexican Consulate’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Mexico Secretary of Health, also continues. This includes a Facebook Live event that garnered nearly 4,000 views and presentations to more than 30 organizations in Illinois, New York and New Mexico. VDS has included us in their partner meetings too.
Civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, recently named one of USA Today’s Women of the Century, remains an active ally and wrote an op-ed with us outlining end-of-life healthcare disparities among Latinos. Huerta will appear in a series of ads for Compassion & Choices as well, and is participating in calls and webinars promoting end-of-life options to Nevada, New York and New Mexico lawmakers.
Says Compassion & Choices National Latino Media Director Patricia A. González-Portillo, "I am proud of my heritage and glad to be able to help raise awareness among other Latinos/Hispanics of the importance of end-of-life issues. Working alongside an amazing role model like Dolores Huerta on this mission has been an unbelievable honor."
Follow highlights throughout Hispanic Heritage Month on our Facebook page.
