Opinions
DATE: September 14, 2004
Letters to the Editor
Winston-Salem Journal
Letters@wsjournal.com
Dear Editor:
As a local Hispanic health advocate, I commend the
Journal for drawing attention to the rise in infant
mortality among North Carolina's Hispanic community
(September 13). This community's relatively low infant
death rate in previous years has, perhaps, instilled
a false sense of security surrounding this segment
of the population, in a state that has been battling
an infant mortality epidemic for over 15 years.
As noted in the article, infant death rates among
Hispanics have historically been very low, especially
when compared to non-Hispanic minority groups and even
whites. Unfortunately, this rate is seemingly beginning
to rise and must be addressed before elevating out
of control.
Fortunately, some groups have begun taking proactive
approaches to educating the Latino community about
ways to reduce infant death. Since 2000, the North
Carolina Healthy Start Foundation has coordinated the
statewide "Ana María Campaign" -
providing health information and referrals for Latino
families. They also promote
the state's only bilingual (Spanish/English) family
health resource line (1-800-367-2229) which not only
provides information pertaining to infant mortality,
but also step-by-step instruction on how to apply for
health insurance, ensuring necessary prenatal and post-partum
care.
Taking the time to address this issue now is
paramount to ensuring the State's infant mortality
rate among Latinos does not continue to grow. We must
build on the strengths of the Latino community, utilize
existing resources and continue to put new ones into
place. The responsibility falls on all individuals
and organizations to reach out to, and educate, North
Carolina's minority populations on ways to address
our state's continued struggle with infant mortality.
Sincerely,
Eva M. Gomez, R.N. MSN
Hispanic Patient Educator, Brenner Children's Hospital
Board Member, North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation
Brenner Children's Hospital
10 th Floor Administrative Suites Medical Center Boulevard
Winston-Salem, NC 27157
(336) 713-2247
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