Disproportionate Health Risks Among Latinos

MADISON – During Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI) is bringing attention to health disparities that disproportionately affect the Latino community by encouraging people to take charge of their health and get regular well women check-ups.

Many Latinos have limited health care access and are disproportionately at risk as they are more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer than women of any other racial or ethnic group, more likely to die from breast cancer than non-Latino white women, and have higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) than non-Latinos in the U.S.

“Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is committed to working with Latinos and their families every day to combat health disparities within the community,” said Maria Barker, multicultural programs manager at PPWI. “Our goal is to improve the quality of, and access to, culturally competent health care and education throughout Wisconsin.”

For 80 years, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin has been providing high-quality, affordable health care to Wisconsin women, men, and teens of all backgrounds including lifesaving cancer screenings, well woman check-ups, birth control, education, and STD testing and treatment. No one is turned away from PPWI’s health care services due to inability to pay.

In addition to providing critical preventive health care, Planned Parenthood is proud to advocate for and with the Latino community in partnership with community leaders to harness their political power and increase their access to health care.  We are committed to serving all Latinos without judgment, regardless of immigration status, with the highest quality of care.

Cuidandonos Creceremos mas Sanos (CCmaS) is a Spanish language sexual and reproductive health program developed by and for Latino communities across Wisconsin. The award-winning program, launched in 2003, is led and facilitated by Health Promoters, who are neighborhood and community leaders trained extensively by Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin to deliver sexual and reproductive health education. The program provides preventive steps and educational tools people need to take charge of their health.

“We believe that all women and their families deserve the highest quality of care no matter who they are and where they live — no matter what —  and that’s what we provide each and every day,” said Barker. “Our doors are open to everyone regardless of their race, income, geography, citizenship status or gender identity.”

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is a nonprofit health care provider caring for 60,000 patients annually at 21 health centers. 97 percent of Planned Parenthood’s care is preventive health services including well woman exams, breast and cervical cancer screenings, birth control, HIV screening, and STD treatment.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.