Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Carlos Del Río, MD: Insightful Conversations on Culture, Health, and Identity

Exploring Hispanic Heritage Month in Omaha

Omaha is set to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of events featuring renowned infectious disease expert and president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, Dr. Carlos Del Río. The events, which are sponsored by the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases, the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) Nebraska Chapter, and NHMA National, aim to not only honor Hispanic heritage but also address crucial issues related to health and identity within the community.

Addressing COVID-19 Concerns

One of the key events during the celebration is a Breakfast Meeting with Dr. Del Río at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel. This gathering, scheduled from 7:30 to 9 a.m., serves as an opportunity for members from the UNMC Latino Medical Student Association, NHMA Nebraska, and Urban Health Opportunities Program pre-medical students to engage with Dr. Del Río. It provides a platform to discuss pertinent issues surrounding infectious diseases in the Hispanic community, particularly amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the breakfast meeting, a Trivia Vaccine Clinic will take place at the Mexican Consulate from 9:30 to 11 a.m. This event is open to the public and aims to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to participants. It also provides an opportunity for community members to address their concerns, seek clarifications, and engage with healthcare experts who will be present at the clinic. Additionally, participants will have the chance to participate in an educational trivia event focused on COVID-19 prevention, with prizes being awarded to participants.

Highlighting the commitment of the NHMA Nebraska Chapter, this vaccine clinic is a continuation of the “Cultural Vaccine Clinics” that have been organized throughout the pandemic. Events such as the “Soccer Vaccine Clinic” and the “Mariachi Vaccine Clinic” represent both a celebration of Hispanic culture and a strategic effort to ensure the vaccination needs of the community are met.

Advocating for Migrants’ Health Care Needs

Another essential segment of the celebration is the Internal Medicine Grand Rounds conducted by Dr. Del Río, focusing on “The Healthcare Needs of Migrants.” This session, open to the public, will take place at the UNMC Durham Research Center 1 auditorium from noon to 1 p.m. It provides an opportunity to delve into the unique healthcare challenges faced by migrants, particularly within the Hispanic community. By shedding light on these issues, there is hope to foster understanding and work towards creating inclusive and equitable healthcare environments for migrants.

Following the grand rounds, there will be a coffee reception and meet and greet session with Dr. Del Río from 1 to 1:30 p.m. This informal gathering will allow attendees to engage with Dr. Del Río on a personal level, expanding the conversation and building meaningful connections.

Additional Hispanic Heritage Month Events

The celebration of Hispanic heritage extends beyond these events with various activities taking place in Omaha. One such event features Dr. Athena Ramos, a renowned speaker from the Center for Reducing Health Disparities and an associate professor in the Department of Health Promotion at the UNMC College of Public Health. Dr. Ramos will speak on September 18 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Sorrell Center, room 3030. This event, sponsored by the UNMC Office of Inclusion, aims to address health disparities and challenges faced by the Hispanic community.

In addition, the Fiestas Patrias Health Fair community health fair will be held on September 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. along South 24th Street. This event provides an opportunity to engage with health resources and aims to promote overall well-being within the Hispanic community.

The Munroe-Meyer Institute will also hold the Zumba Fiesta with Raquel Cruz on October 6 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the MMI Gym, first floor. This lively event offers the chance to celebrate Hispanic culture while engaging in physical activity.

Lastly, throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, El Museo Latino offers discounted admission to UNMC faculty, staff, and students. This cultural institution provides a glimpse into the rich heritage and contributions of the Latino community.

Editorial and Advice

The celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in Omaha serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and honoring the diverse cultures and identities that shape our community. This month-long series of events provides a platform to engage in meaningful conversations surrounding health, identity, and cultural understanding.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the pressing need to address health disparities and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all communities. By organizing events such as the Trivia Vaccine Clinic and the Internal Medicine Grand Rounds, the organizers are actively working towards bridging these gaps. It is essential to seize these opportunities to engage with healthcare experts and seek out accurate information regarding vaccinations and healthcare needs.

Additionally, the celebration of Hispanic heritage goes beyond healthcare. Events like the Fiestas Patrias Health Fair and the Zumba Fiesta with Raquel Cruz showcase the vibrancy and diversity of Hispanic culture. These events provide spaces for community members to celebrate their identity and build connections.

As Omaha commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month, it is an opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds to learn, reflect, and take action towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. By attending the events, engaging in dialogue, and supporting cultural institutions like El Museo Latino, we can celebrate the rich contributions of the Hispanic community and work towards a more united future.