Latino New York Magazine

A WOMAN named MICKY 2011 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

MISSION TRIP SUMMARY

Health & Education NATURALLY LINKED

Gladys Vidor

HEALING PEOPLE PHYSICALLY & SPIRITUALLY

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Dear readers:

Welcome to our April edition of Latino New York Magazine, which focuses on health. As Juan George’s daugther, I am honored to lend a hand to my father this month by writing the publisher’s letter to our readers.

In this issue we are proud to feature Migdalia (Micky) Jimenez as our cover story. It made me proud to see a single Hispanic mom who did a wonderful job raising a family while serving the community effectively. It made me think about all the role models I knew growing up, mostly from television or movies.

How times have changed: we are now able to praise and recognize our own local heroes, and Micky is one of them.

Another pillar of our community, Gladys Vidor, is portrayed by writer Michael Fondacaro as a spiritual and medical healer who is making a difference in the community.

We also introduce a new section, “Conozca Nuestra Gente,” which this month features Bernice Rivera. Each month, we will introduce another individual or individuals who are not well known but in their own way are improving our community. This section will help you know these people a little better.

Queridos Lectores: In our Social & Community Calendar, we enjoyed a conversation with “A diverse community,” while the South American Spanish Association gave us an opportunity to find out how healthy we are at the 2011 Family Health Fair.

Bienvenidos a nuestra edición de abril de Latino New York Magazine cuyo enfoque es la Salud. Como hija de Juan George, tengo el honor de cooperar con mi padre en la carta del editor a los lectores.

We would like to thank Father Bill Hinrichs and other members of the Mission to the Dominican Republic team for the wonderful community work they perform every year as they attempt to heal the bodies and spirits of people in need. We would also like to thank him for introducing us to Ginny Haselton, who had the patience and writing skills to keep us aware of the team’s progress, through emails she received from Paul and Linda Gutmann.

En esta edición estamos orgullosos de presentar a Migdalia (Micky) Jiménez. como nuestro tema de portada. Me sentí orgullosa de ver a una madre soltera hispana que es capaz de hacer un trabajo maravilloso, de criar una familia sin dejar de servir a la comunidad con eficacia. Me hizo pensar en todos los modelos que yo conocí cuando era pequeña, la mayoria de la televisión o el cine. Como han cambiado los tiempos, y hoy en día podemos reconocer a nuestros propios héroes locales, y Micky es uno de ellos.

Thank you all for a job well done.

We hope that you enjoy our April magazine and are excited about our upcoming May issue, which features Janneth Hall as our cover story in a celebration of motherhood.

Otro de los pilares de nuestra comunidad es Gladys Vidor, quien es descrita magistralmente por Michael Fondacaro, destacando sus esfuerzos para curar a la gente tanto en espiritual como médicamente.

Nefsi George-Knight Vice President Latino Publishing & Communications

Estamos introduciendo un nuevo segmento “Conozca a Nuestra Gente”, presentando este mes a Bernice Rivera. Cada mes, vamos a destacar a un individuo o un número de individuos que

pueden no ser conocidos, pero a su manera, están mejorando nuestra comunidad. En esta sección tendrán la oportunidad de conocer a estas personas un poco más.

En nuestro calendario social disfrutamos de una exitosa conversación con “Una comunidad diversa” , mientras que la South American Spanish Association nos dio la oportunidad de saber qué tan saludable estamos, en su Feria de la Salud 2011.

Nos gustaría dar las gracias al Padre Hinrichs Bill y a otros miembros del equipo de la Misión para la República Dominicana, por la maravillosa labor comunitaria que llevan a cabo cada año en su intento port curar los cuerpos y los espíritus de las personas necesitadas. También queremos darle las gracias por presentarnos a Ginny Haselton quien tuvo la paciencia y las habilidades literarias para mantenernos al tanto del progreso del equipo a través de los correos electrónicos que recibió de Paul y Linda Gutmann.

Gracias a todos por una excelente labor.

Esperamos que disfruten nuestra revista de Abril Salud y estamos entusiasmados con nuestra próxima edición de mayo que cuenta con Janneth Hall como nuestro tema de portada en una celebración de la maternidad.

Nefsi George-Knight Vicepresidente Latino Publishing & Communications

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HEALTH & EDUCATION NATURALLY LINKED • MARÍA NEIRA La Salud y la Educación Naturalmente Vinculados

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CONOZCA A NUESTRA GENTE • BERNICE E. RIVERA NICARAGUAN JOURNEY

GLADYS VIDOR: HEALING PEOPLE 17

PHYSICALLY & SPIRITUALLY 10

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS AN EVENING TO END ALZHEIMER’S • ALZHEIMER ASSOCIATION

12 FROM THE DESK OF MICHAEL FONDACARO

• MICHAEL FONDACARO Curando Física & Espiritualmente

20 COVER: A WOMAN NAMED MICKY

• JUAN GEORGE

Una mujer llanada Micky

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2011 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSION TRIP SUMMARY

• PAUL AND LINDA GUTMANN

34 SOCIAL EVENTS Eventos Sociales

Photo By aussiegal @ Flickr

OUR NEXT COVER

JANNETH HALL

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If you have any comments or suggestion please send them to jgeorge@latinonewyorkmagazine.com or by calling at: (518) 438-2875 Si desea enviarnos sus comentarios o sugerencias, por favor envíelos a jgeorge@latinonewyorkmagazine.com o llamando al telefono (518) 438-2875

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Health & Education

naturally linked

F

irst Lady Michelle Obama has been making news lately. And it’s good news for all of us.

In February, the first lady unveiled her “Let’s Move” program — an initiative to combat childhood obesity. It’s a program that has implications for our nation because it attempts to secure a healthy future for the generation that’s coming up; those young people who will be our next CEOs, entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators and other professionals.

Mrs. Obama tells us that, in addition to being a health issue, “obesity is also one of the biggest threats to the American economy” because of the toll it takes on our health care system, both public and private, and on the productivity of the labor force.

It’s a message we should heed and an initiative we should support. And it’s especially relevant to our community. According to the Current Population Survey, which interprets statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Census Bureau, Latino children are much less likely than other children to have health insurance coverage. According to the CPS, that’s due in large measure to a lack of awareness of eligibility, language barriers and other access challenges, and a fear among some that using publicly funded insurance could lead to reprisals from immigration or other law enforcement officials. It seems that many Latinos also work for employers who cannot afford to offer health insurance.

It is not a good time to be sick in America.

I am sometimes asked why, as an educator and union leader, I speak out so often about health care. Well, one reason is the very real fact that children have a difficult time learning if they are ill, or dealing with an illness at home. That’s especially true for children in poverty, who are more susceptible to a variety of illnesses — for Latinos, that includes diabetes, tuberculosis, asthma and infections — which are leading causes of absence from school in New York. Children can’t learn if they’re not in school.

So, education is intrinsically linked to the issues of poverty and health. That’s why NYSUT — which, in addition to educators and others, also represents more than 5,000 health care professionals — has had as an organizational priority ending the achievement gap, understanding that what happens in the classroom is impacted by what happens outside the classroom walls. It’s also why we’ve developed and distributed our popular “24/7 Let’s Go!” program that, like the first lady’s “Let’s Move” initiative, takes on obesity in children with a clear eye toward the future.

For more on these worthwhile programs, go to www.nysut.org (and click the health care link) and www.letsmove.gov.

By María Neira

Meanwhile, against this backdrop, we are faced with efforts in both Albany and Washington, DC to cut Medicaid and Medicare, reduce spending on health care and even roll back many — if not all — of the health care reforms put in place last year by President Obama and Congress.

Spanish version on Pag. 9

Maria Neira, a former bilingual elementary school teacher, is Vice President of the 600,000-member New York State United Teachers NYSUT.

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La Salud y la Educación

Naturalmente Vinculados

públicamente, podría dar lugar a represalias por parte de la inmigración u otros funcionarios de la ley.

Parece que muchos latinos también trabajan para empleadores que no pueden darse el lujo de ofrecer seguro médico.

Mientras tanto, en este contexto, nos enfrentamos con los esfuerzos tanto en Albany y Washington, DC, para cortar de Medicaid y Medicare, reducir el gasto en atención de la salud e incluso revertir muchas - si no todas - de las reformas de salud puestas en marcha el año pasado por El presidente Obama y el Congreso.

No es un buen momento para estar enferma en Estados Unidos.

A veces me preguntan por qué, como educador y líder sindical, que hablo tan a menudo sobre el cuidado de la salud. Bueno, una de las razones es el hecho real de que los niños tienen dificultades de aprendizaje si están enfermos, o hacer frente a una enfermedad en el hogar. Eso es especialmente cierto para los niños en situación de pobreza, que son más susceptibles a una variedad de enfermedades - para los latinos, en las que se incluyen la diabetes, la tuberculosis, el asma y las infecciones - que son las principales causas de ausencia de la escuela en Nueva York. Los niños no pueden aprender si no están en la escuela.

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a Primera Dama Michelle Obama ha estado siendo noticia últimamente. Y es una buena noticia para todos.

En febrero, la primera dama dio a conocer su programa “Let’s Move” - una iniciativa para combatir la obesidad infantil. Es un programa que tiene implicaciones para nuestra nación, ya busca asegurar un futuro saludable para la generación que está por venir, los jóvenes que serán nuestros próximos presidentes, empresarios, políticos, educadores y demás profesionales.

Classroom Photo By capl@washjeff.edu (Washington & Jefferson College)

La señora Obama nos dice que, además de ser un problema de salud, “la obesidad es también una de las mayores amenazas para la economía estadounidense”, debido a las consecuencias que esto en nuestro sistema de salud, tanto público como privado, y en la productividad de la fuerza laboral.

Es un mensaje al que debemos prestar atención y una iniciativa que debemos apoyar. Y es de especial interés para nuestra comunidad. De acuerdo con la Encuesta Actual de Población, que interpreta las estadísticas del Departamento de Trabajo de EE.UU. y la Oficina del Censo de EE.UU., los niños latinos son mucho menos propensos que otros niños, a tener cobertura de seguro médico. De acuerdo a la CPS, eso se debe en gran medida a la falta de conocimiento sobre la elegibilidad, las barreras del idioma y otros problemas de acceso, además del temor entre algunos de que el uso de seguros financiados LATINO NEW YORK

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Así, la educación está intrínsecamente ligada a los temas de la pobreza y la salud. Es por eso que NYSUT - que, además de los educadores y demás, también representa a más de 5.000 profesionales de la salud ha tenido como prioridad de la organización acabar con la brecha en el rendimiento, entendiendo que lo que sucede en el aula se ve afectado por lo que sucede fuera de las paredes del aula.

También es por eso que hemos desarrollado y distribuido nuestro popular “24 / 7 Let’s Go!”, Programa que, al igual que la primera dama “Let’s Move” iniciativa, toma sobre la obesidad en los niños con una mirada clara hacia el futuro.

Para más información sobre estos programas que vale la pena, vaya a www.nysut.org (y haga clic en el enlace de atención de la salud) y www.letsmove.gov.

Through the Looking Glass An Evening to End Alzheimer’s

Through the Looking Glass; An Evening to End Alzheimer’s is coming to Saratoga at the historic Hall of Springs on Thursday, May 5, 2011 with distinguished celebrity guest and Alzheimer’s Association Honorary National Board member Mr. David Hyde Pierce. This special evening is being chaired by the Clinton Family of Troy, NY recognizing their beloved Agnes (Aggie) Clinton.

Emmy and Tony Award winner David Hyde Pierce has been an Alzheimer’s Association National Board Member since 1999. As a board member and national spokesperson, he works with the Association in its mission to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. In 2010 he was awarded the Tony Awards’ Isabelle Stevenson Award for his work with the Association.

The festivities will kick off at 6:00pm, and include eloquent faire, wonderful confections and complimentary wine. The melodic sounds of Donna Purnomo and Hamilton Street will fill the Hall of Springs with song. A large silent auction, featuring exotic jewelry

by Patty Tobin, along with other local artists and vendors will showcase the evening’s activities.

Without-a-doubt, Aggie Clinton was always the life of the party, with her winning smile and infectious laugh.

Helping others always came naturally to Aggie. Although Alzheimer’s disease has changed her life, Aggie’s family remains devoted to celebrating her and they cherish their time together.

The Clinton family and Mr. David Hyde Pierce understand it is not okay for anyone to have Alzheimer’s. They are changing the face of Alzheimer’s, helping both our local and national community understand that Alzheimer’s is an illness that will be an epidemic if a cure is not found. Until a cure is found, the Programs and Services offered by the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern NY across 17 counties go a long way in providing help and hope for individuals and families facing the challenges of the Nation’s 6th leading cause of death.

Come be part of Through the Looking Glass; An Evening to End Alzheimer’s on Thursday, May 5th from 6:00-10:00pm at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga. Ticket price is $85.00 prior to April 5th, after that date $100.00 until the event (no ticket sales at the door).

Honorary tickets ($125.00) are still available, and include a private VIP Reception with Mr. David Hyde Pierce.

For more information about the event, ticket cost or programs offered to the community, contact 1-800-272-3900 or visit www. alz.org/northeasternny. This event is generously sponsored by GE Global Research, CDPHP and Kingsway Community, with 75% of funds raised being directed to local services and education.

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Liga Filipina holds Fiesta 2011

TOP 10 STORIES FOR APRIL

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Agency news: Retired Providence firefighter Gordon Duke was named the new Executive Director of Organizacion Maya K’iche, a group serving New Bedford’s Guatemalan community. He succeeds Anibal Lucas, who was sentenced to prison following his groping of a woman who sought the agency’s help. The Connecticut branch of ASPIRA has closed, and Patty Perlee will be leaving her post as the Executive Director of the Joint neighborhood Project in Jamestown.

Census: The US Census Bureau announced the remainder of its first round of results, with Latino communities across Upstate New York and New England making significant population gains.

2 Liga Filipina, the University at Albany’s Brazilian student group, held its annual Fiesta performance event on March 26. Graduating seniors, including E-board President Lora-Ashley Lusabia, Vice President Leah Carbado and Co-Cultural Chair Jeff Palmere were given gifts.

Two new superintendents: Christina DeJesus-Kishimoto was confirmed as the new Superintendent of the Hartford School District. The Syracuse School Board voted unanimously to appoint Sheila Contreras, the chief academic officer from the Providence, Rhode Island school district, as the system’s new Superintendent.

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A new college president: Dr. Jorge L. Díaz-Herrera, currently a dean at the Rochester Institute of Technology, will become President of Keuka College later this year.

Crime Scene “Taping”: Legislation introduced in Connecticut would allow people arrested while taking photos or video of a police officer performing his/ her duties to file a lawsuit. A Connecticut priest was arrested in 2009 after taking video of police removing what they called illegal licenses plates from a Hispanic couple’s store.

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A new career?: Longtime Massachusetts State rep.

Cheryl Coakley-Rivera is among those in the running to be named Clark Magistrate of the Springfield District Court.

Danbury 11 resolution: The City of Danbury settled out of court for $400,000 to settle the Danbury 11 case, in which day laborer were brought to federal immigration officials by law enforcement posing as someone trying to hire workers. The laborers will receive an additional $250,000 in funding in a separate settlement with federal government.

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Labor controversy: Labor and Latino leaders in Maine criticized Gov. Paul LePage’s decision to remove a mural that depicts workers from the offices of the Maine Department

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A new judge: Carmen Espinosa was appointed to Connecticut’s Appellate Court, making her the first Hispanic member of the second-highest court in that state.

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A tough immigration stance: A Brown University poll found that 54% of Rhode Islanders favor an “Arizona” style immigration law.

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New York Brazilian Consulate comes to Schenectady

The New York Brazilian Consulate General’s office visited Bridge Christian Church in Schenectady on March 31. Local Brazilian citizens visited to secure or renew passports and other government documents. Pictured are Consulate Officer Geraldo Loureiro, Jr. and local Brazilian community leader Manoel Cartagenes.

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NUESTRA GENTE

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Bernice E. Rivera

Nicaraguan Journey Brief Biography I currently work for New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) in the Education & Learning Trust (ELT) department. I earned by BA degree at SUNY Albany, my masters of arts in teaching (MAT) at Union College and my School Building Leader (SBL) certificate at the College of St. Rose. I was a classroom teacher in the Schenectady City School District for approximately 10 years; it was a wonderful experience working with the students and parents of Schenectady. While working in Schenectady I also created and/or ran programs such as the Mont Pleasant Dance Squad, Ballroom Dancing team, Student Council, Peer Mentoring program, Chair of the Black History Month Celebration, on the committees of the Hispanic Month Celebration, International Night, the School Building Leadership Team, and Middle Level Intervention Council. I was also an Education & Learning Trust (NYSUT) instructor, facilitating courses for educators around the state.

Quick Facts • I was born in Brooklyn.

• T he majority of my life I’ve lived in upstate NY ( Buffalo, Schoharie, South Colonie and currently in Schenectady) • I speak Spanish • I was raised by my mother • I lived in D.R. for about 3 years- my parents wanted me to learn the culture, language etc.this was my last three years of H.S. • M y parents would send me to D.R. every other year, since the age of 7 until about 17 to immerse me in Dominican culture.

Before embarking on this trip I thought I was very prepared. I had all the necessary items needed for an environmental and cultural trip to Central America. I brought a cap, bug spray, a flashlight (some places do not have electricity), peptobismol and items one would ordinarily take for a trip out of the country. I knew that I was going to a place that may not have all the luxuries of the United States but I am very familiar with diverse conditions since I’ve traveled and lived in the Dominican Republic.

I thought, I can’t wait to see and hear the familiar surroundings I’ve grown so fond of – the hugs and kisses that Latino’s welcome you with, the farmer markets selling fresh mango, guava, avocados, yucca, the kids washing windows to make extra cash, the beeping of horns in intersections, the multitude of informal sector businesspeople selling their jewelry, making crafts, taking a shower/bath with cold water or the every so familiar “ se fue la luz”-the lights went out etc. I thought I’ve been to Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and other countries who have historical endured the ramifications of colonialism, natural disasters, corrupt governments and/or economic hardships.

Yes, I remembered thinking, I’m an American, who is a proud Dominican, but one who has been exposed to the realities of humankind and particularly of the injustices, inequalities and degradation of our follow brothers and sisters in various Latino countries.

However, I was quite naïve to the destruction inflicted on Nicaragua by the earthquake in 1973, by the extreme injustices carried by the Somoza family, and the misuse of appropriated funds to the country throughout the years, this is where the strength and resiliency of the Nicaraguan people is so commendable…

• G od is very important in my life

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Proud, resilient, dignified, grateful and beautiful are the words that resonate in my mind when I think of my Nicaraguan experience just a week ago. I can’t help but think how much there is to learn by the resilience and strength of the Nicaraguan people.

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More of this story next month.

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By: Michael Fondacaro

Gladys Vidor Healing people physically & spiritually To say Gladys Vidor is in a unique position to help people would be an understatement. The native of Cayey, Puerto Rico is known to the area’s Latino residents as both a nurse and a pastor.

Her journey to the area mirrors that of so many other Latinos here, with an initial stop in New York City. She moved to Brooklyn at the age of 11 to live with her mother. She and John, her husband of 36 years, moved here in 1985. One of their children, Erika, is a Spanish teacher at Shenendehowa, while the other, Johnny, is an aeronautical engineer in South Carolina.

Vidor has had several jobs in her role as a Registered Nurse, which now spans more than four decades. She is currently a Nurse Care Manager for Senior Whole Health, a plan that provides intensive case management services to members who are over 65 years old and eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

“My role is to assess the needs of the member, write an individualized care plan with the approval of the member and coordinate the needed care with home care agencies, primary care doctors and specialists, pharmacists, behavioral providers and other community resources,” she said.

Her role as a bilingual RN has helped her deal with numerous patients who would otherwise have fallen through the cracks of what she deems a “complex health care system.” She says those cracks come from language barriers and/or health illiteracy.

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She calls the Senior Whole Health model, which she calls “a true holistic approach,” the best she has used in her career.

“As a bilingual RN, I am able to break through these barriers and reduce those risk factors by addressing all facets of the individual’s life- physical, mental, spiritual- and empowering them and their families in participation of short and long term planning to keep members in the community as long as possible,” she said.

As for her role as a Pastor, Vidor said she received her calling in 2001, and studied at the Gordon Conwell Seminary in Boston.

She became the pastor of a church in the South End of Albany, and was ordained as a reverend in 2009 by the Council of Damascus Christian Churches, Inc. in New York City.

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Gladys Vidor Curando Física & Espiritualmente Continued from Pag. 25

“Studying God’s word and then applying it is very closely related to what I do as a nurse. I see the church as a hospital where people go when they are hurting and they find comfort with scriptures, and many times are healed of physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual problems.

“It is most rewarding to me now that I can apply all the knowledge and wisdom of these two professions to bring about the best care possible to God’s people,” she said.

Gladys Vidor need not enumerate the reasons that drove her to become involved in both physical and spiritual health. Her words alone state simply enough that she cares for everyone, and wants to see people achieve the best of both worlds.

SPANISH VERSION Decir que Gladys Vidor se encuentra en una posición única para ayudar a la gente sería un eufemismo. Nacida en Cayey, Puerto Rico es reconocida por los residentes latinos de la zona, como una enfermera y un pastor.

Su viaje a ésta área es reflejo de los que otros tantos latinos han vivido aquí, llegando inicialmente a la ciudad de Nueva York. Ella se mudó a Brooklyn a la edad de 11 años a vivir con su madre. Ella y Juan, su esposo de 36 años, se mudaron a ésta área en 1985. Uno de sus hijos, Erika, es una profesora de español en Shenendehowa, mientras que el otro, Johnny, es un ingeniero aeronáutico en Carolina del Sur.

Vidor ha tenido varias ofertas de empleo en su rol de una enfermera registrada, que ahora abarca más de cuatro décadas. Actualmente es Gerente de Atención de Enfermera para Senior Whole Health, un plan que proporciona servicios intensivos de gestión en la atención a miembros que tienen más de 65 años de edad y son elegibles para Medicare y Medicaid.

“Mi papel consiste en evaluar las necesidades de los miembros, escribir un plan de atención individualizada con la aprobación de los miembros y coordinar los cuidados necesarios con los organismos de atención domiciliaria, médicos de atención primaria y especialistas, farmacéuticos, proveedores de salud mental y otros recursos de la comunidad,” afirma Gladys.

Su papel como enfermera bilingüe le ha ayudado a hacer frente a numerosos pacientes que de otro modo se habrían perdido en lo que ella considera un “complejo sistema de atención médica.” Ella dice que ello se debe a las barreras del idioma y / o ignorancia sobre la salud.

Ella llama al modelo Senior Whole Health, que ella llama “un verdadero enfoque global,” lo mejor que ha utilizado en su carrera.

“Como enfermera bilingüe, soy capaz de romper esas barreras y reducir los factores de riesgo, abordando todas las facetas de la vida del individuo-física, mental, espiritual-y empoderarlos a ellos y a sus familias a que participen de la planificación a corto y largo plazo para mantener a los miembros en la comunidad el mayor tiempo posible“, dice Gladys.

En cuanto a su papel de Pastor, Vidor, dijo que recibió su llamado en el año 2001, y estudió en el Seminario Gordon Conwell en Boston.

Ella se convirtió en el pastor de una iglesia en el extremo sur de Albany, y fue ordenada como un reverendo en 2009 por el Consejo de Iglesias Damascus Cristianas, Inc. en Nueva York.

“El estudio de la palabra de Dios y luego la aplicación está estrechamente relacionado con lo que hago como enfermera. Veo a la iglesia como un hospital donde la gente va cuando se están sufriendo y encuentran consuelo con las escrituras, y muchas veces se curan los problemas físicos, psicológicos, emocionales y espirituales.

“Es muy gratificante para mí ahora que puedo aplicar todo el conocimiento y la sabiduría de estas dos profesiones para entregar la mejor atención posible al pueblo de Dios”, dijo.

Gladys Vidor no necesita enumerar las razones que la llevaron a involucrarse en la salud física y espiritual de las personas. Sus solas palabras son suficientes para denotar lo a ella le preocupan los demás, y lo que quiere ver que logren las personas para obtener lo mejor de ambos mundos.

Gladys Vidor and Carol Ann Tiberia Director of Clinical Services

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OUR COVER STORY

As Director of Health Services for Belvedere of Albany, Migdalia Jimenez attacks work – and life – with the same competitive gusto she brought to playing baseball as a young girl.

“I was as competitive playing sports with boys as any of the boys were themselves. So after a while, they started calling me Micky in reference to my playing style, which reminded them of the famous baseball player. “ The nickname fits. In her many years in the Capital Region, she has demonstrated competitive drive and a capacity to work hard and smart. Whether planning a get together for her “brother” Bobby Rivera or educating the community on the latest health issues, she has distinguished herself as a true professional at every opportunity.

One of the things that I admire about her is her sense of urgency. It is almost like there is so much that we need to do that we can‘t afford to waste a single minute. Let’s get it done. But let’s do it well.

HERE IS “MICKY” IN HER OWN WORDS

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he Albany Babe Ruth Central Division field looks the same after all these years. Located at the corner of Partridge Street and Woodlawn Avenue, there’s the old clubhouse with the aluminum bleachers on either side of the diamond. The dimensions and the score board are the same. So are the signs in the outfield fence, advertising local businesses.

As I parked my car in front of the clubhouse to take notes for this story (the place had not open for the season yet), I was filled with memories of meeting Migdalia Jimenez here, nineteen years earlier. I recalled the smell of freshly cut grass and hot dogs and hamburgers from the concession stand. She cheered for her 13-year-old son, who played for a baseball team opposite my own 13-year-old. That season, both our kids made the all-stars team.

Since then, our paths have not only crossed through the years, but have come together in collaboration many times.

Last year, her sister-in-law Gilda Hernandez suggested that I feature her in a cover story. “What a great idea!” I said. But do you think she will do it? When I told her about the idea she thought I had gone crazy. And after much convincing, she agreed to do it.

Many of you don’t know who Migdalia Jimenez is, but everyone knows Micky.

Migdalia (Micky) Jimenez is one of those individuals who does most of her work behind the scenes. Her commitment to her family, friends and community has given her the privilege to be known in this area only as Micky. No last name needed.

She is quick to point out that she got her nickname as a little girl.

Not because of the famous Walt Disney’s cartoon character Micky Mouse, but because of the famous Yankee center fielder, Mickey Mantle.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a single mother of two grown children: my daughter Naomi and son David. I am also a proud grandmother of David John, who is 15 months old. I am a Registered Professional Nurse, and have worked in home healthcare management for the last 25 years. Currently I am the Director of Healthcare Services for Belvedere of Albany.

Tell us a little about your family.

I was born in Lorain, Ohio to my Puerto Rican parents, the third of six children and the only girl. When I was four years old my parents decided to relocate to Brooklyn. For a girl growing up in a Hispanic home, living like a “princess” was not part of the deal – it was about being your mother’s right hand, and that meant caring for the men in the house. In my case, counting my dad, there were six males all together.

What brought you to this area?

Everyone has a different reason for coming here; it’s kind of funny in my case. I had been living in Woodside, Queens for 12 years when I had my third automobile stolen. Since I had two brothers already living in Albany – my oldest brother Willie and my youngest brother David Hernandez – it was easy to choose the Capital District. I needed a calmer, safer place to live and raise my children.

How did you decide on this profession?

Growing up as a young Latina, the career choices were limited: you could be a teacher, a secretary, a cosmetologist or a nurse. There were two main motivations for me choosing the latter vocation.

First, at age 14 I had the opportunity to work as a dietary aide for St. Mary’s hospital in Brooklyn through a summer youth program. That was my initial experience working in a hospital so nursing seemed like a natural progression, even at that early age.

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A WOMAN NAMED

MICKY

By: Juan George LATINO NEW YORK

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Photos: Miguel De La Cruz

OUR COVER STORY

A WOMAN NAMED MICKY

Continued from Pag. 20

Second, my father suffered two strokes in his late 40s and early 50s, requiring frequent visits to the hospital with my mother. The great compassion and caring I witnessed instilled in me the desire to pursue nursing as a profession. More than anything I admired how the nurses took care of their patients.

What is the biggest challenge to doing what you do?

I have worked for both big corporate and local home health care companies, but have found that New York State’s highly regulated environment makes it incredibly challenging to provide basic services, especially with the proposed budget cuts we are confronting.

At Belvedere, we are constantly recruiting qualified home health care personnel, but cannot afford to reimburse higher salaries to maintain and attract new staff. Our specific field of endeavor is caring for people with traumatic brain injuries, the elderly, children, and adults with chronic illnesses. We have also made a commitment to the needs of our growing Hispanic community. Belvedere has the highest number of bilingual Spanish /English speaking professional staff in the Capital district. Finding more qualified clinical staff to meet the growing needs is always a challenge.

> Success is a journey of purpose! > The successful woman doesn’t fly by the seat of her pants. The successful woman doesn’t speak messages without a point. You won’t find a successful woman using old ideas and expecting new results. > A successful person is a visionary, a messenger, a planner and a seeker. > When you change your thoughts to align with your purpose, and you take inspired action, you change your business - and you change your life!

How do you know if you are successful in doing what you do?

Success means having a purposeful mindset; it means checking in with your thoughts, your beliefs and how you interpret the information you receive; it means trusting that you have the answers you need and that your unique talents, which are your gifts, have a purpose.

When you have a purposeful mindset, you learn to develop masterful thoughts, create life on your terms and invite only the people and experiences that will empower you and create extraordinary success.

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Continued from Pag. 22

What is your secret?

HOW YOU THINK IS EVERYTHING.

1 2 3

Always be positive. Think success, not failure. Beware of a negative environment.

Decide upon your true dreams and goals: Write down your specific goals and develop a plan to reach them.

Take Action. Goals are nothing without action. Be like Nike and “Just do it”. I took action by reaching out and started writing.

Every day I try to take some action toward my goals. It may be small, but it’s still an action.

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

NUESTRA PORTADA How does our shared Latino culture impact our collective approach to healthcare?

In our culture there has always been a real reluctance to go to the doctor until you were at Death’s door. I call it the “sea-lo-que-Diosquiera” (if it’s God’s will) approach to healthcare. Some of that had to do with a kind of fatalism that is cultural, to an extent; some of it was based on the fear of incurring a cost that would be difficult to cover.

It is also true that in Puerto Rican culture -- how we grew up -- there was a tremendous reluctance to communicate personal matters to “strangers.” Latinos make a big deal about privacy.

Never Stop Learning: Read books. Get training and acquire skills. Teach others!

Be Persistent and Work Hard: Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Never give up.

Learn to Analyze Details: Get all the facts, all the input. Learn from your mistakes.

Focus Your Time And Money: Don’t let other people or things distract you.

Don’t Be Afraid to Innovate: Be different. Following the herd is a sure way to mediocrity.

Deal And Communicate With People Effectively: No person is an island. Learn to understand and motivate others.

Be Honest and Dependable: Take responsibility, otherwise numbers 1 – 9 won’t matter.

How do you balance family and work?

I love spending time with family and friends. I have an 88-year-old mom whom I speak with daily and visit during the week. We routinely go shopping and eat out every Saturday. I am blessed with a close-knit family who often gets together for family celebrations. I enjoy dancing, Zumba classes and playing racquetball. Spending time with my wonderful grandson David John always fills my heart with warmth and joy. Lastly, I love coming home to Chi-Chi, my chihuahua, who is always thrilled to see me!

How do you find time to do all of the things you do?

I try living a healthy life. Eat well, get a good night’s sleep, and take a break from it all when I need to and Chill-Lax! (I will admit I can use a getaway vacation to a nice warm place from time to time.)

From your perspective, what are some of the greater health needs in the local community, particularly the Hispanic Community?

Number one is access to services – a big challenge. I have found that in the almost 25 years I have been working in Upstate New York, I still find the lack of resources in the community for the growing population of Hispanic immigrants to our area appalling.

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MICKY

Opposite Page;: Micky with Belvedere staff. Above: Program’s participants.

Below: Micky along with John McCooey Belvedere’s President and Jennifer Barnett Executive Director of Belvedere Albany

Just look at how we used to deal with pregnancy out of wedlock.

One day you’d see Fulana in the neighborhood; the next day you’d say, “where’s Fulana?” Eventually you’d find out that she “went to Puerto Rico” because the family didn’t want anybody to know what was going on with their daughter.

Many of these attitudes continue to persist in our community today, which is in part why so many diseases have taken up residence in our community, and why we see glaring health disparities among our people.

What do you see as the main barriers to Latinos achieving positive health outcomes? What must we do to change the paradigm?

I think we need to create strategies to overcome the three main obstacles to better health outcomes in the Latino community, which I refer to as FEA (as in “la cosa se ha puesto fea con respeto a la salud”) .

1.

F EAR - Our people are afraid to find out what’s wrong with them, so while other communities run to the doctor on a regular basis, we are running the other way. All that does is put off health decisions on the front end- such as lifestyle changes or treatment - that a doctor would recommend, and invariably end up making healthcare more expensive on the back end. It’s the whole prevention vs. intervention idea. We have to lose the fear.

2.

E QUAL ACCESS - We must find ways to make our healthcare system more accessible to our community in a variety of ways.

3.

A FFORDABILITY - When we see data that tells us one out of four families have no health insurance, when we know that low-income households have a much higher incidence of poor health indicators, when we take into account how disproportionately this recession has hit the Latino community, affordability is at the heart of the problem.

How do we defeat FEA in our community?

Here in the Capital District, Latino health disparities aren’t really the subject of conversation in the mainstream community and media, and we have to work to change that. One of the things I’m excited about is how I’ve been able to convince my boss -- and it is a great credit to him for understanding -- that there is a huge urgency to address the issue of cultural competency when it comes to providing basic healthcare services. I have been really going out LATINO NEW YORK

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in the community and I am finding such a compelling need for bi-lingual personnel to perform outreach to a community growing by leaps and bounds. An example of this was last fall when I was attending a meeting at the Department of Social Services in Albany County. As I waited for the elevator I heard the security guard yell out, “Is there anyone that speaks Spanish that can translate for this lady?” After composing myself I quietly walked over and offered to assist. I saw the look of embarrassment in this woman, who was there with two small children, as she was singled out, in front of many other people who were also in the area.

What do you think needs to happen to address those needs?

We must work hard to have society acknowledge the growing health needs within the Hispanic community; once that happens, hire more bi-lingual people who are culturally competent enough to serve the needs of our people.

Do you see any significant changes locally in the way health services are provided?

I see some efforts being made to address the issues within the health care system. However, we are far from adequately addressing those needs.

What role would you like to play in providing those services?

Work with organizations that truly want to make a different in meeting the growing social, health care issues.

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Do you have some suggestions as to how we can get more involved as a community?

Now that the Census is out and we can all attest to the growth of Hispanics in the area, we need to support and provide grants to assist organizations that will advocate, educate and assist the Hispanic community around critical issues.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would just like to add that I feel extremely grateful to be working for an organization like Belvedere Health Services. They have truly stepped up to the plate by hiring bilingual staff (sometimes tri-lingual) to partner with other health care organizations to meet the home health care needs of Capital District residents. I am also very fortunate to know great people in the community – Latinos and non-Latinos – who have always lent their support, whether through fundraisers or other functions.

My dear beloved friend, “Bobby Rivera,” had a legacy that I vowed to continue: “make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate” and “live as though you’re dying.”

Being in the moment and cherishing every minute of it with people who love and appreciate you is what it’s all about.

Su compromiso con su familia, amigos y la comunidad, le ha dado el privilegio de ser conocida en este ámbito sólo como Micky. No es necesario decir su apellido.

Como Directora de Servicios de Salud de Belvedere en Albany, Migdalia Jiménez ataca el trabajo - y la vida - con el mismo entusiasmo que competía cuando jugaba béisbol cuando era niña.

El estadio de beisbol de La División Central de Babe Ruth en Albany tiene el mismo aspecto después de todos estos años. Ubicado en la esquina de la calle Partridge y la avenida de Woodlawn, está el viejo club con las gradas de aluminio a ambos lados del diamante. Las dimensiones y el marcador es el mismo. Así como los letreros de la valla del outfield, que publican las empresas locales.

Al estacionar mi coche en frente de la casa club para tomar notas para esta historia (el lugar no había abierto para la temporada todavía), me llene de recuerdos de la reunión con Migdalia Jiménez aquí, diecinueve años antes. Recordé el olor de la hierba recién cortada y de los perros calientes y hamburguesas que comía. Ella animó a su hijo de 13 años de edad, quien jugó para un equipo de béisbol frente a mi hijo de la misma edad. Esa temporada, ambos hijos participaron en el equipo de All-Stars. Desde entonces, nuestros caminos no sólo se han cruzado a través de los años, pero se han reunido en colaboración en muchas ocasiones.

El año pasado, su cuñada Gilda Hernández me sugirió que la pusiera como artículo de portada. “¡Qué gran idea!” Dije. Pero, ¿crees que lo hará? Cuando le hablé de la idea ella pensó que me había vuelto loco. Y después de mucho convencer, accedió a hacerlo.

Muchos de ustedes no saben quién es Migdalia Jiménez, pero todo el mundo conoce a Micky. Migdalia (Micky) Jiménez es una de esas personas que hace la mayor parte de su trabajo detrás de escena.

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Ella se apresura a señalar que obtuvo su apodo desde niña. No por el famoso dibujo animado de Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse, sino por el famoso jardinero central de los Yankees de Nueva York, Mickey Mantle.

“Yo era tan competitiva en los deportes jugando con los niños como cualquiera de ellos. Así que después de un tiempo, me empezaron a llamar Micky en referencia a mi estilo de juego, que les recordaba el famoso jugador de béisbol. “ El apodo le pega. En sus muchos años en la Región Capital, se ha destacado por su tenacidad, y la capacidad de trabajar duro e inteligentemente. Ya sea la planificación de un fiestecita para su “hermano” Rivera, Bobby o el educar a la comunidad sobre problemas de la salud. Ella, se ha distinguido como una verdadera profesional en cada oportunidad que tiene.

Una de las muchas cosas que admiro de ella es su sentido de urgencia.

Es casi como decir “hay muchas cosas que hacer y no podemos darnos el lujo de perder ni un solo minuto sin hacerlas. Vamos a lograr que se haga. Pero vamos a hacerlo bien”.

“MICKY” EN SUS PROPIAS PALABRAS Cuéntanos acerca de ti.

Soy una madre soltera de dos hijos: mi hija Naomi y mi hijo David.

También soy una abuela orgullosa de David John, que es de 15 meses de edad. Soy una enfermera profesional registrada, y he trabajado en la administración de cuidado médico domestico durante los últimos 25 años. Actualmente soy la Directora de Servicios de Salud de Belvedere de Albany.

Continúa en la Pag. 28

UNA MUJER LLAMADA

NUESTRA MICKY PORTADA

Continúa de la Pag. 27

Cuéntanos un poco acerca de tu familia.

Nací en Lorain, Ohio, de padres puertorriqueños, la tercera de seis hijos y la única chica. Cuando yo tenía cuatro años mis padres decidieron mudarse a Brooklyn.

Para una niña que crece en un hogar hispano, vivir como una “princesa” no era parte del acuerdo – fui la mano derecha de mi madre, lo que significa el cuidado de los hombres en la casa. En mi caso, si contamos a mi padre, había seis hombres en total. ¿Qué te trajo a esta área?

Todo el mundo tiene una razón diferente para venir aquí, es un poco raro en mi caso. Yo había estado viviendo en Woodside, Queens durante 12 años cuando robaron mi tercer automóvil. Debido a que tenía dos hermanos que ya vivían en Albany - mi hermano Willie y mi hermano menor, David Hernández - fue fácil elegir el Distrito Capital. Necesitaba un lugar más tranquilo, más seguro para vivir y criar a mis hijos. ¿Cómo te decides por esta profesión?

Creciendo como una joven latina, la elección de carrera se limitaron: usted podría ser un profesor, una secretaria, una cosmetóloga o enfermera. Hay dos motivaciones principales para mí la elección de ésta vocación. En primer lugar, a los 14 años tuve la oportunidad de trabajar como ayudante de dieta para el hospital St. Mary’s en Brooklyn a través de un programa de verano para jóvenes. Esa fue mi primera experiencia de trabajo en un hospital y el ser enfermera parecía una progresión natural, incluso a esa edad temprana. En segundo lugar, mi padre sufrió dos trombocis en su 40s y 50s años de edad, que requerían visitas frecuentes al hospital con mi madre. La gran compasión y el cuidado que presencié me inculcaron el deseo de perseguir la enfermería como una profesión.

Más que cualquier cosa yo admiraba cómo las enfermeras se ocupaban de sus pacientes. ¿Cuál es el mayor reto a hacer lo que haces?

He trabajado tanto para grandes empresas como para empresas que ofrecen cuidado médico domestico, pero he encontrado que un ambiente altamente regulado en el Estado de Nueva York hace increíblemente difícil el ofrecimiento de servicios básicos, especialmente con los recortes de presupuesto que enfrentamos.

En Belvedere, estamos constantemente reclutando a personas calificadas en el área de cuidado de salud domestico, pero no podemos permitirnos el lujo de reembolsar salarios más altos para mantener y atraer a un personal nuevo. Nuestro campo específico de actividad es atender a personas con lesiones cerebrales traumáticas, ancianos, niños y adultos con enfermedades crónicas.

También hemos hecho un compromiso a las necesidades de nuestra creciente comunidad hispana. Belvedere tiene el mayor número de personal profesional bilingüe Español / Inglés en el distrito capital.

La búsqueda de personal clínico bien calificado para satisfacer las crecientes necesidades es siempre un reto. ¿Cómo sabes si tienes éxito en hacer lo que haces?

El éxito significa tener una actitud decidida, significa el chequear con tus pensamientos, tus creencias y tu manera de interpretar

la información que recibes; significa la confianza de que tienes las respuestas que necesitas y que tus talentos únicos, que son tus dones, tiene un propósito.

Cuando tienes un modo de pensar con propósito, aprenderás a desarrollar pensamientos majestuosos, crear vida en sus propios términos y de invitar sólo a las personas y experiencias que te otorgan poder y crean un éxito extraordinario.

> El éxito es un viaje con propósito! > La mujer no se desenvuelve fácilmente. La mujer talentosa habla con un fin. Usted no encontrará una mujer con exitosa utilizando viejas ideas y esperando nuevos resultados.

> Una persona exitosa es visionaria, comunicadora, planificadora e inquisitiva.

> Cuando uno cambia sus pensamientos para alinearse con su propósito, y toma acción inspirada, usted puede cambiar su negocio - y cambiar su vida!

¿Cuál es tu secreto?

Como crees que lo es todo.

1. Siempre sé positivo. Piensa en el éxito, no el fracaso. Ten cuidado con un ambiente negativo.

2. Decide sobre tus sueños y metas: Escribe tus metas específicas y desarrolla un plan para llegar a ellas.

3. Actúa. Las metas son nada sin acción. Sea como Nike y “Just do it”.

Tomé la decisión y comencé a escribir. Todos los días trato de tomar alguna acción hacia mis metas. Puede ser poco, pero sigue siendo algo.

4. Nunca dejes de aprender: Lee libros. Obten capacitación y adquisición de habilidades. Enseña a los demás!

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5. Sé persistente y trabaja duro: El éxito es un maratón, no una carrera corta. Nunca te rindas.

6. Aprende a analizar los detalles: Obten todos los hechos, todos los insumos. Aprende de tus errores.

7. Enfoca tu tiempo y dinero: No dejes que otras personas o cosas te distraigan.

8. No tengas miedo a innovar: Sé diferente. El seguir la manada es una manera segura a la mediocridad.

9. Trata y comunícate con personas con eficacia: Ninguna persona es una isla. Aprende a comprender y a motivar a otros.

10. Sé honesto y confiable: Asume responsabilidad, de lo contrario los números del 1 al 9 no importan. ¿Cómo equilibras familia y el trabajo?

Me encanta pasar tiempo con familia y amigos. Tengo una madre de 88 años de edad, con quien hablo a diario y visito durante la semana. Rutinariamente vamos de compras y comemos fuera todos los sábados. He sido bendecida con una familia muy unida que a menudo se reúne para celebraciones familiares. Me gusta el baile, clases de Zumba y jugar racquetball. Pasar tiempo con mi maravilloso nieto David John siempre llena mi corazón con la calidez y alegría. Por último, me encanta volver a casa a Chi-Chi, mi chihuahua, siempre está encantada de verme! ¿Cómo encuentras tiempo para hacer todas las cosas que haces?

Trato de vivir una vida sana. Comer bien, dormir bien por la noche, y tomar un descanso de todo esto cuando lo necesito y Chill-Lax! (Voy a admitir que puedo utilizar una escapada de vacaciones en un lugar cálido y agradable de vez en cuando.)

Desde tu perspectiva, ¿cuáles son algunas de las mayores necesidades de salud de la comunidad local, en particular a la comunidad hispana?

El número uno es el acceso a los servicios - un gran reto. He encontrado que en los casi 25 años de estar trabajando en el área, me sigue pareciendo terrible la falta de recursos en la comunidad para la población de inmigrantes hispanos de nuestra área. ¿Cómo afecta nuestra cultura latina nuestro enfoque colectivo a la asistencia médica?

En nuestra cultura siempre ha habido un rechazo a ir al médico hasta que estas en la puerta de la Muerte. Yo lo llamo el enfoque del “sea-lo-que-Dios-Quiera” (si es la voluntad de Dios), a la asistencia médica. Algo de esto tiene que ver con una especie de fatalismo que es cultural, en cierta medida, esta basado en el temor de incurrir en un costo que sería difícil de cubrir.

También es cierto que en la cultura puertorriqueña – como nos criamos - existe una gran resistencia en comunicar asuntos personales a los extraños. “Los latinos le damos mucha importancia a la privacidad.

Basta con mirar la forma que usamos para hacer frente a la posibilidad de embarazo fuera del matrimonio. Un día tu ves a Fulana en el barrio, y al día siguiente se decía: “¿dónde está Fulana?” Con el tiempo se iba a saber que ella “se había ido a Puerto Rico”, porque la familia no quería que se supiera lo LATINO NEW YORK

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Left: Micky and her niece Olivia; Above: Family reunion, Micky, her mother and brothers.

Opposite Page: Micky with her mother.

que estaba pasando con su hija. Muchas de estas actitudes persisten hoy en nuestra comunidad, lo que es parte del por qué tantas enfermedades han establecido su residencia en nuestra comunidad, y por qué vemos flagrantes disparidades de salud entre nuestra gente. ¿Qué ves como los principales obstáculos para los latinos lograr resultados médicos positivos para la salud? ¿Qué debemos hacer para cambiar el paradigma?

Creo que tenemos que crear estrategias para superar los tres obstáculos principales para mejores resultados de salud en la comunidad latina, yo lo refiero como FEA (como en “la Cosa se ha Puesto fea con Respeto a la Salud”).

1. M IEDO - Nuestra gente tiene miedo de saber lo que le esta pasando, así que mientras otras comunidades correr al médico con regularidad, nosotros corremos en sentido contrario. Todo lo que esto hace es posponer las decisiones de tratamiento al principio, tales como cambios de estilo de vida o un tratamiento - que un médico le recomendaría, e invariablemente terminan haciendo de todo el proceso de sanación, algo más caro al final.

Es la prevención contra la idea de intervención. Tenemos que perder el miedo.

2. I GUALDAD DE ACCESO - Tenemos que encontrar maneras de hacer que nuestro sistema de salud sea más accesible a nuestra comunidad en una variedad de maneras.

3. A CCESIBILIDAD - Cuando vemos los datos que nos dice que una de cada cuatro familias no tienen seguro de salud, cuando sabemos que los hogares de bajos ingresos tienen una incidencia mucho mayor de los indicadores de salud, si tenemos en cuenta la desproporción en que ésta recesión ha golpeado a la comunidad latina, la accesibilidad está en el corazón del problema.

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Continúa de la Pag. 29

¿Cómo derrotar a FEA en nuestra comunidad?

Aquí en el Distrito Capital, las disparidades de salud de los latinos no son realmente temas de conversación en la comunidad en general y en los medios de comunicación, tenemos que trabajar para cambiar eso. Una de las cosas que me entusiasma es cómo he sido capaz de convencer a mi jefe - y doy gran crédito a él por entender - que hay una gran urgencia para abordar la cuestión de la competencia cultural a la hora de a proporcionar servicios básicos de salud. He entrado realmente a la comunidad y me estoy encontrando una necesidad imperiosa de personal bilingüe para realizar servicios de salud a la comunidad. Un ejemplo de esto fue el otoño pasado cuando asistía a una reunión en el Departamento de Servicios Sociales del Condado de Albany. Mientras esperaba el ascensor oí el grito del guardia de seguridad, “¿Hay alguien que hable español que pueda traducir para esta señora?” Después de componerme en voz baja me acerque y me ofrecí a ayudar. Vi la mirada de vergüenza en esta mujer, que estaba allí con dos niños pequeños, ya que fue señalada, frente a muchas otras personas que también estaban en el área. ¿Qué crees que tiene que suceder para hacer frente a esas necesidades?

Debemos trabajar arduamente para que la sociedad reconozca las crecientes necesidades de salud de la comunidad hispana, una vez que suceda, contratar a más personas bilingües que sean culturalmente competentes para atender las necesidades de nuestro pueblo. ¿Ves algún cambio significativo a nivel local en la forma en que los servicios de salud se deban prestar?

Veo algunos esfuerzos que se realizan para resolver los problemas dentro del sistema de salud. Sin embargo, estamos lejos de que se aborden adecuadamente dichas necesidades. ¿Qué papel te gustaría jugar en la provisión de esos servicios?

Trabajar con las organizaciones que realmente quieren hacer una diferencia en el cumplimiento de los crecientes problemas sociales, en la atención medica. ¿Tienes algunas sugerencias sobre cómo podemos participar más como una comunidad?

Ahora que el Censo ha salido, todos pueden dar fe del crecimiento de los hispanos en el área, tenemos que apoyar y proporcionar apoyo económico para ayudar a las organizaciones que defienden, educan y ayudan a la comunidad hispana con temas críticos. ¿Hay algo más que quieras agregar?

Sólo quisiera añadir que me siento muy agradecida de estar trabajando para una organización como Belvedere Servicios de Salud. Ellos realmente han intensificado en proceso mediante la contratación de personal bilingüe (a veces en tres idiomas) y el asociarse con otras organizaciones de salud para satisfacer las necesidades de atención de salud en el hogar de los residentes del Distrito Capital. También me siento muy afortunada de conocer gente maravillosa en la comunidad - latinos y no latinos - que siempre han prestado su apoyo, ya sea a través de recaudación de fondos u otras funciones. Mi querido amigo, “Bobby Rivera,” dejo un legado que nos comprometió a seguir: “haz una diferencia en las vidas de los menos afortunados” y “vive como si te estás muriendo.” Vivir el momento y apreciar cada minuto con las personas que te aman y te aprecian, es lo que importa.

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2011 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

MISSION TRIP SUMMARY BY: PAUL AND LINDA GUTMANN

The trip to the DR started at 11:00 PM on Thursday, February 24 and was over when we arrived at the hotel around 6:00 PM on Friday just in time to eat at the hotel and go to bed. The 19 hour trip is exhausting.

On Saturday, we had a morning worship service and a team meeting.

The worship led by Father Bill Hinrichs was a comfort. He spoke about how all the waiting that we do – like during our travel to the DR – can be profitable if we use it for meditation and prayer for bringing aid to the poor and disadvantaged. Amen! The team meeting is inspiring because the team networks and shares enthusiasm, inspiration, and information.

Linda and I spent Saturday practicing the Spanish that we would use as we assisted the medical team and for the pure water aspect of our work.

(Note that if the word “work” has, for you, any disagreeable connotation, then perhaps “passion” might be a better word to use here.) Saturday was also the time to divide the stock of home water purifier equipment, which constituted our 200 pounds of checked baggage, into what would be needed at each of the 3 sites where the Prescribing Prevention project would be situated.

The medical team members attended a church service in the afternoon on Sunday, but Linda and I met with Karsten and Henriette Windeler over lunch to begin our discussions about how the Windelers’ shipping business might contribute to moving the home water purifiers from the USA to the Dominican Republic. The Windelers are extremely nice people, they have committed to help us, and the lunch was delicious. Henriette and her sister came to our clinic at the Saint Thomas church in Gautier where they observed our work / passion and helped as translators.

Our schedule brought us to the Buen Pastor church in San Pedro de Marcoris where disaster was anticipated for the Prescribing Prevention project. Sister Jean Gabriel had told me that Ramona, whom I had recruited to help with the project, had suffered poor health and family problems, and had all but abandoned the project. When the sister was asked whom she would recommend to take Ramona’s place, she could not offer a single suggestion. The situation looked bleak as Sister Jean Gabriel had little confidence in any Dominican as a project assistant. However, the first person, Domingo, that talked to me at our clinic site immediately expressed interest in the project and convinced me that he was capable as well as enthusiastic. Imagine my surprise when the sister, who had seen us talking, then recommended Domingo as an assistant.

Domingo was very pleased and, thanks be to God, so was I. Domingo impressed me more and more as we spent Tuesday assembling home water purifiers together and selling them to very interested clinic patients. We sold all that we had.

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On Wednesday, the clinic moved to the Saint Thomas church in Gautier and so did the Prescribing Prevention project. Nicolas, my Dominican assistant in Gautier, had been very successful selling home water purifiers until he ran out of equipment.

Padre Sandino, who has a little pick-up truck, had taken 150 buckets to Nicolas and 150 buckets to another location in San Pedro, but the good Padre did not realize that each home water purifier required three different buckets.

Nicolas got very few buckets with a hole in the side but lots of buckets with a hole in the bottom. The other guy got lots of buckets with a hole in the side but very few with a hole in the bottom. The mistake that Padre Sandino made resulted in the inability of either Nicolas or the other guy to assemble more than just a few functional home water purifiers. Padre Sandino promised to try to remedy the situation.

We were able to partially remedy the situation by bringing Nicolas some plain buckets and a drill.

The plain buckets can be easily converted into whatever type of bucket is lacking. However, since buckets are so bulky and the luggage allowance is so limited on commercial aircraft, we could not entirely remedy this situation.

The solution will eventually be completed when we finish working out how to transport large quantities of buckets with the help of the Windelers.

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On Thursday, Padre Vicente took me from the clinic in Gautier to his church site in the little community of Bonao. The people in Bonao are, by and large, prosperous. Bonao is a clean agricultural community at the foothills in the central part of the Dominican Republic, reminding me a lot of upstate NY. However, there are many very poor people in the countryside around Bonao, and Padre Viciente’s progressive church wants very much to minister to the poor with a safe potable water program.

At a vestry meeting in Padre Vicente’s church, the home water purifiers received a very enthusiastic welcome. The entire vestry planned to come to Padre Vicente’s house for a home purified water tasting party. Padre Vicente and his wife, Nancy, treated me to a home-cooked supper and a very comfortable night in his guest room.

By the time that water samples were collected and a Bonao water quality engineer who works in an ice cream factory spoke with me (in the mutually understood language of water quality technicians), my arrival back in Gautier was just in time to see the medical team finish seeing patients and then convert the St. Thomas church from a clinic back into a church.

The church service at St. Thomas is an emotional and glorious tribute to Our Lord.

My eyes always tear up a bit during this service, but after the service, when the vestry

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warden, Ermita, read a simple yet eloquent statement thanking us for all we do for the Dominican people, I wept ardently.

Robin followed Ermita with a similar but impromptu, equally eloquent and heartfelt homily which intensified my emotional response. A nice big hanky is a must for everyone in the congregation of the Saint Thomas church.

Linda was stolen from the Prescribing Prevention project by our competitors, the medical team. (The words “stolen” and

“competitors” could not be further from the truth, of course!) Linda translated for the vital signs station, measuring temperatures and blood pressures with other team members. She also joined me at times, assisting with the delicate diplomacy of solidifying relationships with project supporters and project assistants.

Upon our return, we were busy finding our home under all this snow!

> latino social events SOUTH AMERICAN SPANISH ASSOCIATION’S 2011 FAMILY HEALTH FAIR

South American Spanish Association (SASA) in collaboration with the Congregation Beth Emeth, organized its Annual Family Health Fair which took place at Saint John Lutheran Church in Albany on April 3rd, 2011.

With the participation of more than 20 Health Professionals that answered questions on health related issues and performed DiabetesTesting, Cholesterol Screening, Blood Pressure and Vision Screening, the event once more was a success in helping the community in need.

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José Ramírez, Account Executive Government Programs from CDPHP

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Candy Rivera Whitehead from NYS EPIC

3

Cheryl Lawyer from the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany

4

NOTHEAST HEALTH LAB

5

Lilian Murillo from NYSERDA

3

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> latino social events A conversation on Organ Donation WITH A DIVERSE COMMUNITY

The event took place March 31st. at The Blu Stone bistro. A collaboration with the Northeast Chapter of the Kidney Foundation.

Our thanks and appreciation to: The Scaringe family, Ami Kokoneci, the management & staff of Hotel Indigo and The Blu Stone Bistro.

Rocio (Rosie) Villa for sharing with us her mother’s story.

Carol Lafleur, Dianna Rios, Michael Barber & Frances Chiaretta-Smith.

Catalina Arango, Jorge Gonzalez, Juan Luis George, Juan Monegro, & Luisa George.

And everyone else that attended or supported this event in anyway.

Jacqui Hauser, Brian Kaiser & Xiomara Contreras

Shai Butler, David Brown, and Manny Santos

Rocio (Rosie) Villa addressing the attendees.

Peter Mayta & Pedro Perez

Ashley Ramnes, Juan Monegro and Bryan Gregory

Rocio (Rosie) Villa, Ladan Alomar, y Pedro Florez

Manny Santos addresses the attendees

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Attendees to the event.

JOIN JANE AND MONA GOLUB OF PRICE CHOPPER SUPERMARKETS AS THEY CO-CHAIR THE 2011 GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON. WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 10 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. HILTON GARDEN INN, 235 HOOSICK ST., TROY KEYNOTE SPEAKER HEBA SALAMA OF “THE BIGGEST LOSER” MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES BENITA ZAHN OF WNYT • • • • •

BREAKOUT SESSIONS FEATURING NUTRITION AND FITNESS INFORMATION HEALTH SCREENINGS MANICURE TOUCH-UPS A SILENT AUCTION FEATURING THE “PURSE-ONALITIES” OF LOCAL WOMEN A HEART HEALTHY LUNCH AND MOVING PROGRAM FEATURING THE 10 BETTERU CHALLENGERS

TICKETS ARE $100 EACH FOR INFORMATION, CALL 518.869.4051 OR VISIT WWW.HEART.ORG/CAPITALREGIONNYGOREDLUNCHEON

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Unique Tech Services

42 N Swan Street, Albany NY 12210

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Toll Free: 1888-468-0350 Office: 518.438.2875

Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood (UHPP)

is a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of professional and affordable reproductive health services, as well as education programs, to those who live and work in Albany, Columbia, Greene and Rensselaer Counties. The agency operates health centers in the cities of Albany, Hudson and Troy and serves over 11,000 patients each year. The mission of the agency is to promote healthy sexuality and reproductive choice through exceptional services, honest education and fearless advocacy.

Full information on all agency programs and services is available at www.uhpp.org.

The Planned Parenthood name is well known throughout the United States. Most people associate the agency with specific services such as birth control, abortion, teen services, and STD testing. But in fact, most Planned Parenthoods, including UHPP, provide much more. The UHPP Albany health center offers services for men, women, and youth including: > GYN annual exams, > screenings for breast and cervical cancer, > birth control information and supplies, > pregnancy testing and options counseling, > fertility awareness counseling, > free Emergency Contraception, > free HPV vaccinations, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, > HIV testing and counseling and both medical and surgical abortions during the first trimester.

A special teen clinic is available on Thursday afternoons in Albany and Hudson. All services are confidential and UHPP accepts a wide range of health insurances while offering most services on a sliding-scale fee based on income.

UHPP’s Vice President for Patient Services is of Haitian heritage and speaks Spanish, French and English, as well as some Creole.

She has worked hard to ensure cultural competency within the UHPP staff. The agency uses the A T& T Language Line for medical visits. Language Line provides accurate and complete first-person interpretation in over 170 different languages. When it is determined that a UHPP client will require an interpreter in a specific language in order to receive quality service, the client is assigned to a private

counseling or exam room and a call is placed to Language Line by the appropriate UHPP staff person. The service provides immediate connection to an interpreter specializing in that language and—with the use of a speaker phone—the visit can proceed as if there were an interpreter in the room.

In September of last year, UHPP moved to a new Albany location at 855 Central Avenue. We now occupy the third floor of a building that we share with Mildred Elley and Austin Beauty School, right across from the Hannaford Shopping Plaza near Everett Rd. The new center is spacious and comfortable.

It has allowed UHPP to increase the number of family planning visits and the number of screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The center also has plenty of parking and is located on a major bus route (#55).

The new teen room is used for Teen Drop-In Clinics and for the S.T.A.R.S. (Seriously Talking About Responsible Sex) high school peer education program. There is a library and a modern conference room which are available at low cost for community groups.

SEX EDUCATION BEGINS AT HOME. UHPP provides sexual health workshops, one-on-one sessions, and educational materials to parents and caregivers, as well as youth-serving professionals, recognizing that they play a vital role in providing today’s youth with guidance and information on sexual health and responsibility. For more information on sex education resources, please contact the Education Department at (518)434-5678 Ext. 137.

UHPP is also a strong advocate for affordable health care, the elimination of health care disparities, and reproductive justice. Over 100 community members are involved as UHPP volunteers, helping in all departments including community outreach and legislative advocacy. For information on how to get involved as a volunteer, email info@uhpp.org or call 4345678 x 137.

Contact: Blue Carreker, (518) 434-5678 x133 or (518) 466-8500 (cell)

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