WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources has identified six areas of racial and ethnic disparities in health.

WHEREAS, the primary causes for health disparities among under-served populations result from adverse social conditions such as poverty, unemployment, racism, discrimination, access to health care and other social inequities.

WHEREAS, the rates of HIV, diabetes, cancer and other diseases among Latinos are considerably greater than the overall U.S. rate.

WHEREAS, public health agencies and community based organizations have traditionally and successfully partnered to reach under-served communities with health prevention and education.

WHEREAS, the implementation of cultural and linguistically appropriate services is necessary to bridge barriers to care.

WHEREAS, there is an under-representation of Latinos at all level of health services and decision making processes such as local, state, and federal independent review panels, procurement processes, etc.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the League of United Latin American Citizen request to the Secretary of Health and Human Services the provision of funding to support Latino communities' efforts to respond to health disparities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the League of United Latin American Citizens support the implementation of Cultural and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS).

FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the League of United Latin American Citizens work with public health officials and educational institutions to increase the number of Latino health professionals and to encourage all Latinos to get involve in all areas and level of community health issues.

Submitted by:
Carlos Jorge, Rio Salado Council 1085, Phoenix, Arizona

Approved this 9th day of June, 2001.

Rick Dovalina
LULAC National President