Hispanic Health Services Initiative

March 20, 2007 — Ayuda Health Services to implement new programs for the East Valley's growing Hispanic population.
 

Grants are required to help expand the Ayuda's services and reach East Valley Hispanic families.
 

Grant money will allow the Ayuda to expand its services in conjunction with the Ayuda Health Information Center, including training for medical interpreters, HIV/AIDS testing, CPR training and child passenger safety technician training, said Jon Garrido, chairman of the Ayuda's board of directors.
 

These services are especially important to Hispanics, who are at high risk for several health-related problems.

 
There are approximately 45 million persons in the United States without health insurance and 60% of these are Hispanics according to American Hispanic. Nearly half of the adult Hispanic population is uninsured, and Hispanics are more likely to be uninsured across all ages.

To help integrate Hispanics into the East Valley community so they can function better in society is the goal of Ayuda.
 

According to Mesa Community College of Health and Human Services, Ayuda fits perfectly into the college’s mission of providing service and support to the community.
 

One of our top values is collaboration and this is an example of our ability to collaborate to provide the best service we can,” he said. “When you have an effort such as this one come to fruition, it’s a wonderful thing.”
 

Jon Garrido, president of East Valley and CEO of American Hispanic (www.Hispanic.cc) said services like the Hispanic Ayuda Center are very important as the United States continues to attract scores of immigrants every day.