Holy Name Press Releases

Holy Name Launches Hispanic Community Health Initiative in Partnership with West New York

WNY Mayor Felix E. Roque, MD to announce Familia y Salud program to Target Hispanic/Latino community with Extensive Programming

May 31, 2016

Holy Name Medical Center (HNMC) and the Town of West New York (WNY) to offer community health services to members of the Hispanic/Latino community, including free medical screenings and exams, as well as health lectures and special events. Holy Names Familia Y Salud will work in conjunction with the West New York Department of Health to engage the Hispanic community with a host of events led by Spanish-speaking physicians and health care providers practicing in Hudson County. The announcement will be made by Mayor Felix E. Roque MD, on June 3 in West New York, Town Hall. Among those attending will be Michael Maron, President and CEO of Holy Name Medical Center; Felix E. Roque, MD, Mayor of West New York ; Henry Fernandez-Cos, MD, Founder of the Familia y Salud program, and Dr. Gina Miranda-Diaz, DNP, MPH, RN & SLHO, Director of Health Department and Health Officer of West New York.

"Holy Name has become a national model in providing culturally sensitive medical services," said Michael Maron. "Partnering with the town of West New York to offer Familiy Y Salud programs will help improve overall health within our Hispanic communities in Hudson County."

Holy Name Medical Center's Familia y Salud Program was developed to expand the hospital's hispanic outreach initiatives, by providing the highest level of healthcare to members of the Hispanic community and, consistent with the Medical Center's ministry of healing, to provide services and programs in a culturally sensitive and caring environment. In collaboration with physicians and allied health professionals, the program offers information and referrals as well as educational programs, seminars, preventative screenings and Affordable Care Act enrollment seminars at the Medical Center's campus and at off-campus locations for residents of Bergen, Hudson and Passaic counties. With highly credentialed physicians, representing dozens of medical specialties, Holy Name Medical Center's Familia y Salud Program provides a broad network of doctors with offices in Hudson County.

"We know there's a real need in the Hispanic community for health education and outreach, and it's critical to have programs like Familia y Salud to help bridge cultural and language barriers," said Mayor Roque, "West New York is proud to partner with Holy Name's Familia y s to help connect members of our community with the experts, screenings and information they need to make better health care decisions for themselves and their families."

According to the 2013 census, 42.9% of people living in Hudson County identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino, a population that continues to grow in northern New Jersey.  In response, the Familia y Salud Program at Holy Name Medical Center was developed to address the medical, linguistic and cultural needs of Hispanics/Latinos in Bergen and Hudson counties. The program provides community outreach initiatives such as health fairs, educational programs, and physician lectures.

"Residents of Hispanic origin are twice as likely as other ethnic groups to be diagnosed with diabetes and are at much higher risk for asthma, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancers," said Henry Fernandez-Cos, MD. "These disparities are driven by genetic predisposition as well as cultural and socioeconomic barriers that make it difficult for some Hispanics/Latinos to practice preventative care or access treatment. Familia y Salud educates our patients about how to manage or prevent the onset of disease, to empower the community with the information necessary to take a proactive approach to healthcare."

Among the first events planned for FYS will be a lecture by physicians, Henry Fernandez-Cos, MD and Alexander Hesquijarosa, MD, on Zika and Other Mosquito Borne Viruses at the West New York Middle School on June 20th at 6:00 pm. The doctors will talk about the symptoms and effects of Zika and other mosquito borne viruses, such as Chikungunya and dengue fever, explain how they are spread, and the most effective preventative measures. The discussion will be conducted in English and Spanish. Familia y Salud will also be hosting an outdoor "Health Festival" in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month this fall. Hudson County residents will have access to free health screenings, exams, health-related and social program information as well as music and entertainment for the entire family, including prizes and giveaways. To learn more about these events or to register, visit FamiliaYSalud.org.

WHAT: Hispanic Community Health Initiative in West New York
WHEN: June 3 - 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: West New York Municipal Building, 428 60th Street, West New York, NJ