Austin looks at Hispanic quality of life

Final forum for Hispanic Quality of Life focused on health
Impact News, 21 April 2009

The City of Austin needs input on health-related issues from Hispanics and those connected to the Hispanic culture during the final forum of the Hispanic Quality of Life Initiative at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28. The forum will be at the Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center, 808 Nile St., next to the Rosewood-Zaragosa Neighborhood Center.

Comments captured at these discussions and through surveys will help shape recommendations on how to make Austin a better place to live for the diverse Hispanic community.

“Good health is certainly one of the crucial elements required for everyone to enjoy an optimum quality of life,” said Shannon Jones, assistant director of Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department. “The fact that Latinos are the fastest growing population in Austin underscores the city's responsibility to proactively address concerns and needs with respect to health care. As our community becomes more diverse, we must identify and deliver services and programs that enable all to participate fully, realize their dreams and contribute to the greater good.”
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Melinda Rodriguez, Development Director for El Buen Samaritano, a non-profit organization committed to providing health care and self-sufficiency education for Spanish-speaking families, believes that the forum is important because health issues need to be addressed for the benefit of the entire community.

A Spanish-speaking interpreter will be available at the forum. Past forums have been based on education, economic development and cultural arts.

The City of Austin estimates that 36 percent of Austin’s population is Hispanic and that growth from the Hispanic community in Austin accounts for 70-80 percent of total growth for the city so far this decade.

For more information, visit www.austinhispanicqualityoflife.org or call (512) 974-2344.