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In this issue:
Latino Health Summit Register Now
Hugo J. Mojica named Coalition Executive Director
How Social Spending Affects Health Outcomes
Implementing Integrated Care
Zika, What the CDC Knows
Funding Opportunity
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Meet Our Executive Director
The Hispanic Health Coalition is pleased to announce that Hugo J. Mojica has been named Executive Director. Hugo was born in Nicaragua and raised in the Northside part of Houston. He graduated from Jeff Davis High School in the top 5% of his class. Through hard work and perseverance, Hugo became the first in his family to graduate from college earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Houston. After working several years for various public officials, he decided to go back to school and earned a Master's degree in Public Administration from Florida International University. Hugo has over 16 years of experience working for local, state and federal level elected officials.

Hugo lives by Gandhi's motto of  "being the change you want to see in the world," that is why he is very active in the community. He believes that one of the many enduring qualities of being Latino is the desire to help others help themselves. "We are a proud community and we work hard to provide more opportunities for our future generations to come," he said. Hugo's engagement with community-based initiatives and organizations includes funding the Student Vote Project to increase the number of college age voters to participate in elections. He has also worked with LULAC Council 402, the River Oaks Rotary Club, Parents for Public Schools, and the Texas Hispanic Council on Aging.

In the upcoming months, Hugo will be visiting all our coalition partners to update our strategic plan and strengthen our working relationship with other community-based organizations. His overall goal is to generate synergy to enhance the well-being of the Hispanic community in the Greater Houston Region.
How Social Spending Affects Health Outcomes
 
It's well-known that the United States spends far more on health care than any other developed nation - a record 17.5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2014 - while enduring worse health outcomes. Life expectancy in the U.S. is lower, maternal and infant mortality is higher, and the prevalence of chronic illness is far more common than in European countries. But these poor health outcomes can also be connected to another type of spending where the U.S. falls far below Europe - social services that target education, housing, nutrition and poverty. Read more.
Implementing Integrated Care
You are invited to a free webinar to learn how to implement an Integrated Care Initiative in your community. The Mental Health America of Palm Beach County has been a pioneer in Integrating Behavioral and Primary Care since 2011. They are sharing how they integrated their community and the lessons they learned. To register for the webinar follow this link.
Zika, What the CDC Knows
  • Zika is spread mostly by the bit of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters. They can also bite at night. 
  • Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.
  • There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
  • Learn More.
Latino & Healthy
 
The Yoga Expo, coming to the George R. Brown Convention Center on September 10, is an all-day yoga event featuring local and national teachers. Studios showcase their unique styles of mind & body practice. Connect with local teachers, bring a friend (or make one), explore yoga studios in your area, and taste local and sustainable food & beverages.

Be sure to visit the Coalition's Latino & Healthy web page for more events to keep you fit, healthy and well.
Reinventing Discovery
 
The Robert Woods Johnson Foundation is interested in supporting more rapid, responsive and relevant research. They are seeking projects that explore how health and medical discovery can benefit from including the input and perspectives of a broader stakeholder base, including patients, and what considerations should be taken into account in an emerging scientific landscape. For more information about this funding opportunity follow this link.