Latinos United for Healthcare

September 21, 2017

IN LIGHT OF RECENT NATURAL DISASTERS, NHLA URGES MEMBERS & ALLIES TO DONATE TIME AND MONEY TO HELP SURVIVORS IN PUERTO RICO

WASHINGTON— Leaders of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, a coalition of the nation’s 45 preeminent Latino advocacy organizations, offer the following statements of support and solidarity in light of the destruction by recent hurricanes that devastated Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Islands, as well as Texas and Florida.  NHLA strongly encourages members and allies to consider donating funds or to volunteer time in order to aid the recovery process in the affected areas.  The Latino community has been and will continue to be drastically impacted by these recent hurricanes. Changes in climate and extreme weather are hitting our communities first and magnifying the existing vulnerabilities that Latinos already face, such as poverty, chronic and reproductive health conditions and inadequate infrastructure. Ensuring that the Latino community, undocumented community, immigrant community and communities of color receive the level of aid needed is essential.

These hurricanes come in a time when Puerto Rico was already facing a fiscal crisis. Now more than ever it is critical that we work with policymakers to ensure that Puerto Rico has the tools necessary to stabilize its economy and accord the people of Puerto Rico their equal treatment as U.S. citizens.

NHLA member Hispanic Federation, partnering organizations and elected officials launched “Unidos” (United), a hurricane relief fund to help those impacted by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Proceeds will help hurricane victims and the recovery efforts through fellow community and civic organizations in Puerto Rico. To donate via text, compose a new text message for number 41444.  Type UNIDOS (space) YOUR AMOUNT (space) and YOUR NAME. To donate via website, visit www.hispanicfederation.org/donate and select “Hurricane Relief Effort” from the drop down menu next to the line “I would like to designate this gift for.”

The Red Cross is providing continuing support to all those also affected by Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Maria, and the earthquakes in Mexico. Visit their website for information on donating money or volunteering your time.

“Our hearts and minds are in solidarity with all of those affected by recent natural disasters. We offer immediate condolences to those suffering losses and gratitude to the first responders and volunteers who have and are continuing to save lives. In this time of devastation it is critical that relief efforts are abundant and effective, and that such efforts are inclusive of the Latino community and those communities that are most vulnerable during a period of disaster. As such, we have provided various recommendations to which NHLA encourages members and allies to donate funding of any amount. If you feel your efforts are best used in a volunteer capacity, there are opportunities for this as well. We will be working with members of Congress to ensure that these disaster areas are receiving funding necessary to protect all communities that have been gravely impacted,” said Hector Sanchez Barba, Chair of NHLA and Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement.  

"For decades, LULAC has stood with the people of Puerto Rico in their fight for full equality as U.S. citizens. Today, we stand with our resilient brothers and sisters as they survey the damage left in the wake of Hurricane Maria and look to rebuild their homes, businesses, and communities. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the storm, and we will work toward engaging our membership in Puerto Rico to determine the best ways to help the community,” said Brent Wilkes, Treasurer of NHLA and CEO of LULAC.

"Our familias in Mexico and Puerto Rico have now been hit repeatedly by catastrophic earthquakes and hurricanes and they need our help,” said José Calderón, Co-Chair of NHLA’s Puerto Rico Working Group and President of Hispanic Federation. “It is impossible to imagine the terrible suffering our communities there are facing. What's clear is that we must act. Hispanic Federation has united with our allies to create a relief fund where 100 percent of the proceeds will go towards helping our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico and Mexico recover.”

“Our hearts go to the people of Puerto Rico in this time of immense need.  Facing the wrath of hurricanes requires resilience which the Puerto Rican people have in abundance. But they need more. More from our federal government. More leadership from the White House. More appreciation of the dangerous effects of the austerity cuts that Washington has imposed upon the Island unnecessarily.  Those cuts forced reduced maintenance of its utility authority which must now rebound quickly. We ask that Congress and the President provide immediate recovery relief to the US citizens in Puerto Rico,” said Juan Cartagena, Co-Chair of NHLA’s Puerto Rico Working Group and President and General Counsel, LatinoJustice PRLDEF.

“The National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Inc. (NACOPRW) is diligently working through all their regional chapters, and with local communities and organizations to raise funds and supplies needed to help the people of Puerto Rico. We will disseminate this news to our communities during this time of devastation left by hurricanes Irma and Maria. Please contact our local chapters for the most updated information on relief efforts in their area . They can be reached on www.NACOPRW.org,” said Wanda Gordils, member of NHLA’s Puerto Rico Working Group and National President of NACOPRW.

"First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the hurricanes in Texas, Florida, the USVI, and Puerto Rico, as well as the earthquake victims in Mexico. Now is the time to unite as a nation to help our brothers and sisters in need. Vital relief assistance needs to reach the people most vulnerable and isolated. We ask everyone, including our corporate partners, to please contribute to relief efforts. The undocumented community, which has contributed so much to the vitality of this country, is in special need and we should make sure they receive our helping hand. We can all do our part by making small donations and helping to spread the word. If you are interested in helping Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane María, please consider donating to the following two legitimate initiatives: http://unidosporpuertorico.com/en/ (public private partnership run by the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rossello) and helpprdespacito.com (run by ConPRmetidos, a prominent NGO in the Island). Juntos no hay nada que no podamos vencer. Gracias," said Kenneth Romero-Cruz, Co-Chair of NHLA’s Task Force on Government Accountability and Executive Director of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL).

###

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  

| Michael Torra | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | (202) 425-0582 |

| Brenda Arredondo | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | (915) 373-1483 |

ABOUT THE NATIONAL HISPANIC LEADERSHIP AGENDA

The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda is composed of 45 of the leading national and regional Latino civil rights and public policy organizations and other elected officials, and prominent Latinos Americans. NHLA coalition members represent the diversity of the Latino community – Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and other Latino Americans. NHLA’s mission calls for unity among Latinos around the country to provide the Latino community with greater visibility and a clearer, stronger influence in our country’s affairs. NHLA brings together Latino leaders to establish policy priorities that address, and raise public awareness of, the major issues affecting the Latino community and the nation as a whole. For more information, please visit: www.nationalhispanicleadership.org.

NHLA MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

Alianza Americas | American G.I. Forum | ASPIRA Association | Avance Inc. | Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ Network | Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute | Farmworker Justice | GreenLatinos | Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities | Hispanic Federation | Hispanic National Bar Association | Inter-University Program for Latino Research | Labor Council for Latin American Advancement | LatinoJustice PRLDEF | League of United Latin American Citizens | MANA, A National Latina Organization | Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund | Mi Familia Vota | National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures | National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives | National Association of Hispanic Publications | National Day Laborer Organizing Network | NALEO Educational Fund | National Association of Latino Independent Producers | National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Inc. | National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators | National Hispanic Council on Aging | National Hispanic Environmental Council | National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts | National Hispanic Media Coalition | National Hispanic Medical Association | National Institute for Latino Policy | National Latina/o Psychological Association | National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health | Presente.org | SER Jobs for Progress National | Southwest Voter Registration Education Project | UnidosUS | United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce | United States Hispanic Leadership Institute | United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce | U.S.- Mexico Foundation | Voto Latino

Healthcare Press Releases

  • Nov 13, 2014 - NHLA ORGANIZATIONS GEARING UP TO INCREASE LATINO HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLLMENT +

    PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION November 13, 2014 NHLA ORGANIZATIONS GEARING UP TO INCREASE LATINO HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLLMENT New enrollment period for ACA’s Health Insurance Marketplaces presents opportunity to build on previous success in securing health coverage for Latinos Washington, D.C. – Member organizations of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), a coalition of 39 of the nation’s preeminent Latino organizations, are preparing extensive outreach efforts to boost enrollment and re-enrollment of eligible Latinos during the upcoming open season of the Affordable Care Act's Health Insurance Marketplaces that open on November 15. Last year’s enrollment efforts resulted in a significant drop… Read More

  • Oct 8, 2014 - HISPANIC LEADERS CALL ON PRESIDENT TO ALLOW HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR DEFERRED ACTION RECIPIENTS +

    For Immediate Release October 8, 2014 HISPANIC LEADERS CALL ON PRESIDENT TO ALLOW HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR DEFERRED ACTION RECIPIENTS Immigrants brought to the U.S. as children and those who benefit from expanded administrative relief should have access to the programs their taxes pay for Washington, D.C. -- The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), a coalition of 39 of the nation's preeminent Latino organizations, has called on President Barack Obama and HHS Secretary Sylvia Matthews Burwell to restore access to affordable health coverage and care to those enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which the President established… Read More

  • Oct 8, 2014 - NHLA LETTER TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA REGARDING HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR DEFERRED ACTION RECIPIENTS +

    October 8, 2014 The Honorable Barack H. Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Re: Health Care Access for Deferred Action Recipients Dear President Obama: We write on behalf of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), a coalition of 39 leading national Latino civil rights and advocacy organizations, to urge you to undertake expansive administrative action to provide health care access to undocumented immigrants with grants of deferred action, both under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and any future affirmative administrative relief programs. Administrative action is warranted in light of the chronic and severe lack… Read More

  • Mar 5, 2014 - LATINO LEADERS PRAISE UNANIMOUS COMMITTEE SUPPORT FOR MARIA CONTRERAS-SWEET AS SBA ADMINISTRATOR +

    PRESS RELEASE March 5, 2014 LATINO LEADERS PRAISE UNANIMOUS COMMITTEE SUPPORT FOR MARIA CONTRERAS-SWEET AS SBA ADMINISTRATOR NHLA urges swift Senate Floor Vote for Latina business and community leader who would be second Latino in President's Cabinet and highest-ranking Latina in the Administration Washington, D.C. -- The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) today praised Senators on the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee for unanimously supporting the nomination of Maria Contreras-Sweet as Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator. The next step toward confirmation is a full vote of the United States Senate and NHLA urges Senators to move swiftly in scheduling a floor… Read More

  • Mar 5, 2014 - LATINO LEADERS SEND LETTERS TO U.S. SENATE IN SUPPORT OF LATINO NOMINEES FOR HUD AND SBA +

    PRESS RELEASE March 5, 2014 LATINO LEADERS SEND LETTERS TO U.S. SENATE IN SUPPORT OF LATINO NOMINEES FOR HUD AND SBA NHLA urges YES votes on confirmation for Maria Contreras-Sweet to head SBA and offer support prior to hearing for Gustavo Velasquez to be Assistant Secretary at HUD Washington, D.C. -- The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), the coalition of 37 preeminent national Latino organizations, sent letters to United States Senators on behalf of two highly qualified nominees: Maria Contreras-Sweet to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and, Mr. Gustavo Velasquez to be an Assistant Secretary of the United… Read More

  • Feb 25, 2014 - With Affordable Care Act Enrollment Deadlines Approaching, NHLA Boosts Outreach +

    PRESS RELEASE February 25, 2014 With Affordable Care Act Enrollment Deadlines Approaching, NHLA Boosts Outreach Various events planned for Latino Enrollment Week of Action Washington, D.C. -- The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), a coalition of 37 of the nation’s preeminent Latino organizations, and its members have multiple events planned during the Latino Enrollment Week of Action, as part of their continued efforts to ensure as many eligible Latinos as possible enroll in health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act's Health Insurance Marketplace. March 15 is the deadline to sign up for coverage that goes into effect on April 1,… Read More

  • Feb 12, 2014 - LA PEQUEÑA EMPRESA Y LA LEY DEL CUIDADO DE SALUD A BAJO PRECIO +

    Cientos de miles de propietarios de pequeñas empresas han aprovechado del crédito tributario de la ley, que asciende hasta un 35% de su aporte a la prima del seguro, cifra que se elevará al 50 por ciento el próximo año, para ayudarles a brindar cobertura a sus empleados. Entérese más acerca de Créditos Tributarios para la Pequeña Empresa. Las primas de seguros patrocinados por los empleadores aumentaron solo el 3 por ciento el 2012, la tasa más baja registrada hasta ahora. Y conforme a la ley, una mayor responsabilidad de las compañías de seguros ha significado que las pequeñas empresas… Read More

  • Jan 6, 2014 - LA CELEBRACIÓN CONTINÚA: EL DÍA DE LOS TRES REYES MAGOS Y EL MERCADO DE SEGUROS MÉDICOS +

    Mayra E. Álvarez on January 06, 2014 at 01:42 PM EST Nota del editor: Este blog se ha extraído del blog de la Oficina de Salud de las Minorías Cuando era niña, siempre esperaba con ilusión el 6 de enero. Para muchos de mis amigos, las celebraciones de Navidad habían terminado y Santa Claus ya estaba de vuelta en el Polo Norte ocupado preparándose para la siguiente temporada navideña. Para mis hermanas y para mí, y para muchos otros en la comunidad latina, los regalos no se habían acabado ya que todavía quedaba por celebrar el Día de los Tres… Read More

  • Nov 12, 2013 - LA LEY DEL CUIDADO DE SALUD A BAJO PRECIO: SU SALUD, DE FORMA SENCILLA +

    Lo primero que tiene que saber con respecto a la Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio es que ya está funcionando para millones de personas que viven en Estados Unidos. El 85% de las personas que viven en Estados Unidos que ya tienen seguro de salud ahora obtienen mejor calidad por su dinero, tienen acceso a atención preventiva sin copagos y ahorran dinero en medicamentos con receta en el período sin cobertura de la Parte D de Medicare. Lo segundo que debe saber es que para el 15% de las personas que viven en Estados Unidos que no… Read More

  • Oct 21, 2013 - Latino Leaders to Announce Enrollment Campaign for National Hispanic Health Week of Action +

    NHLA To Hold Press Conference Launching Efforts to Encourage Hispanic Enrollment in Health Insurance Marketplaces MEDIA ADVISORYOctober 21, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C.—This afternoon the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), a coalition of 36 of the nation’s preeminent Latino organizations, will host a press conference to kick off a National Hispanic Health Week of Action to raise awareness among Hispanic families about the affordable health coverage options available in the Health Insurance Marketplaces that are part of the Affordable Care Act.   Currently, almost one in three Latinos do not have health insurance and over 10 million are uninsured. NHLA strongly advocated… Read More
  • 1
  • 2
› ‹