6th Latinx Faculty Recognition Event

The Latino Center for Health organized its 6th Annual Latino Faculty Recognition Event on April 17th at the Lyceum in the HUB. This gathering commended the exceptional accomplishments of 34 Latinx faculty members from the University of Washington’s Bothell, Tacoma, and Seattle campuses. These faculty members have left a lasting impact through their teaching, mentorship, research, publications, and promotions, benefiting students, the UW community, and local and global communities. Additionally, we honored three retirees for their careers carrying out important and impactful work at UW and beyond.

Greeters table during the Latino Center for Health’s 6th Latinx Recognition Event. April 17, 2024. Seattle.

Dr. Gino Aisenberg Named 2024 Social Work Educator of the Year

Dr. Gino Aisenberg, Associate Professor at the University of Washington School of Social Work and Co-Director of the Latino Center for Health, has been named the 2024 Social Work Educator of the Year by the Washington State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Dr. Aisenberg is being recognized for his long-standing contributions in teaching and mentoring students, his leadership in supporting the next generation of scholars, and his staunch commitment to advancing health equity. He leads the Center’s Graduate Student Fellowship Program that provides $5000 funding support and mentorship to graduate and professional students in programs of study in the health sciences at UW Seattle, UW Bothell, UW Tacoma as well as Washington State University, Heritage University and Eastern Washington University. In addition, Dr. Aisenberg has partnered with the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic and Heritage University in Toppenish to develop and implement an innovative program of training undergraduate social work students as well as promotoras (community health workers) and bachelor-level staff of provider organizations to deliver an evidence-based, culturally tailored depression treatment for Latinx adults struggling with depression. Dr. Aisenberg provides specialized training and supervision to the students and staff to deliver eight sessions of manualized cognitive-behavioral therapy that significantly reduces an individual’s depression symptoms and enhances their functioning. The CBT treatment program addresses many of the barriers in accessing and utilizing care as it is delivered via telephone in the language of preference of the client, English or Spanish. Also, this program is building the workforce of skilled Latinx practitioners critically needed to be responsive to the health of Latinx individuals.

In nominating Dr. Aisenberg, Mary O’Brien, Clinical Services Director, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic Behavioral Health Services, noted,

“I have known, collaborated and partnered with Dr. Aisenberg on a variety of community-based projects and research over the last 20 years. He has offered his expertise to many: clients/patients, students, employees, and our Latino community. I have learned from him and grown professionally over the years. He is a Social Worker who understands the connection between the role of our education institution and the importance of engagement with the communities that future students will live and serve.”

In learning of this recognition, Dr. Aisenberg said,

“I am deeply honored to receive this award and so grateful to have had the opportunity to positively impact the lives of my students and equip them with skills and confidence to be role models and change agents in the community. It is a singular privilege to educate their minds, hearts and spirits, and to empower them as effective and culturally responsive practitioners. As co-director of the Center, it is an especial joy to cultivate impactful collaborations with community partners across the state to elevate visibility of the Latinx population in WA state and positively advance their health and well-being.”

A virtual award ceremony will be celebrated on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 6:00-7:30 PM. Here is the link to register to attend (and receive the zoom information): https://naswwa.socialworkers.org/Events/ArtMID/56776/ArticleID/3463/NASW-Washington-Chapter-Social-Work-Month-Celebration

Felicidades! Congratulations to Dr. Aisenberg for this distinctive award!

LCH participates in Latino Legislative Day: Dr.Morales presents on Long COVID

The Latino Civic Alliance hosted its Latino Legislative Day in Olympia, Washington on January 22, 2024. Hundreds of participants attended the advocacy event, which featured speakers including, Representative Julio Cortes and Governor Jay Inslee, Chief Justice Steve Gonzalez, Representative Lillian Ortiz- Self, Representative Bill Ramos, Representative Alex Ybarra, Representative Emily Alvarado, Representative Sharlett Mena, and Senator Rebecca Saldana.

Dr. Leo Morales, co-director of the Latino Center for Health (LCH), presented at the event and shared the findings of the LCH’s Long COVID Study. The study produced substantial data on the prevalence of long COVID in Washington state’s Latinx communities, including that 41% of survey respondents reported symptom duration consistent with long COVID.

On behalf of the LCH, Dr. Morales advocated for several legislative recommendations, including:

Expanding no-cost community vaccine efforts by increasing funding for the Care-a-Van mobile health program, to help prevent COVID, RSV, and influenza infections.
Broadening provider and community education on Long COVID, in addition to greater investment in clinical care for long COVID, to help measure and understand the impact of Long COVID.
Expanding community-based screening for obesity, pre-diabetes, diabetes, and hypertension with navigation assistance to receipt of medical care (telehealth), to reduce cardiometabolic disease and diabetes.
Full funding of state Medicaid-like and health insurance exchange programs for undocumented immigrants, to expand insurance coverage to vulnerable populations.

These efforts are part of the LCH’s continued commitment to bridge evidence with policymaking in Washington state to positively impact Latino health and well-being.

You can download the slides presented by Dr.Morales below.

LCH Latino Legislative Day Slides Download

Cobertura de salud para todos en Washington sin importar el estatus migratorio

In English

A partir del 1 de noviembre, todas las personas que vivan en Washington podrán adquirir un seguro médico a través de Washington Healthplanfinder. ¿Tiene preguntas? ¿Necesita ayuda para inscribirse? Mire para saber cómo conectarse con un profesional de confianza en su comunidad o con el Centro de atención al cliente de Washington Healthplanfinder. Encuentre un navegador o corredor en su área aquí: https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/us….

A partir del 1 de Noviembre, todos los residentes del estado de Washington, independientemente de su estatus migratorio, podrán comprar un seguro médico y dental a través de Washington Healthplanfinder.

Dos nuevos programas ayudarán a los inmigrantes a obtener cobertura médica en 2024. Las personas sin seguro pueden ser elegibles para uno de estos programas:

Programa de expansión de acceso a planes médicos y dentales

Una nueva exención federal, primera en su tipo en los Estados Unidos, brindará nuevas oportunidades para los residentes de Washington que no cuentan con seguro. A partir del 1 de noviembre de 2023, todas las personas en Washington, independientemente de su ciudadanía o estatus migratorio, podrán adquirir un seguro médico y dental a través de Washington Healthplanfinder, para obtener cobertura a partir de enero de 2024. Además, la cobertura será más asequible, con ahorros adicionales en las primas mensuales para hogares con ingresos de hasta al 250% del nivel federal de pobreza (FPL).

Programa de expansión de acceso al seguro Washington Apple Health

La Autoridad de Atención Médica de Washington (HCA) ampliará la oferta de cobertura médica independientemente del estatus migratorio. A partir del 1 de julio de 2024, los habitantes indocumentados de Washington con ingresos inferiores al 138% del nivel federal de pobreza (FLP) podrán ser elegibles para la cobertura de Washington Apple Health (el Medicaid de Washington).

 Más información:

 Preguntas frecuentes
 Video informativo
Más sobre Healthplanfinder 
 Otros recursos en diferentes idiomas

Health coverage for all Washingtonians, regardless of citizenship or immigration status

En Español

Starting on November 1st, all people living in Washington will be able to purchase health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder. Find a Navigator or Broker in your area here: https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/us….

Starting Nov. 1, 2023, all Washington residents, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, have access to purchase qualified health and dental plans from Washington Healthplanfinder.

These two new programs will help immigrants get healthcare coverage in 2024. If you are uninsured, you may be eligible for one of these two new programs.

What’s New?

Health Plan and Dental Plan Expansion

New first-in-kind federal waiver aims to improve access for uninsured Washingtonians. Starting November 1, 2023, everyone who lives in Washington state regardless of citizenship or immigration status will have the opportunity to buy health and dental insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder, for coverage starting January 2024. Premium assistance may also be available to undocumented adults with incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

Washington Apple Health Expansion

The Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) will expand healthcare coverage regardless of immigration status. Starting July 1, 2024, undocumented Washingtonians with income under 138% of the federal poverty level (FLP) may be eligible for Washington Apple Health (Washington Medicaid).

Want to learn more?

• Flyers in English and Spanish
• Videos in English and Spanish
• Learn more about Healthplanfinder
• Additional resources in different languages

LCH Long COVID Study- What You Need to Know

Event Recap

On November 3rd, the Latino Center for Health (LCH) hosted the Latinx Long COVID Symposium—Study Findings & Pathways to Health. The interactive event featured in-person attendance at Heritage University, and remote attendance via Zoom, and convened 50 local community leaders, elected officials, health officials, and key stakeholders from across the state.

The symposium presented the findings from the long COVID study conducted by the LCH, which surveyed Latino patients from across Washington state to determine the prevalence of long COVID and its impacts on the physical, mental, and social well-being of those affected. The study was conducted in partnership with SeaMar Community Health Centers, Yakima Valley Farmworkers Clinic, the Allen Institute for Immunology, DataStat, and the UW Medicine Long COVID Clinic.

Key Takeaways

Some key takeaways from the long COVID study are:

41% of survey respondents reported symptom duration consistent with long COVID.
Fatigue, muscle pain, anxiety, and sleep difficulty were the four most commonly reported long COVID symptoms. See figure below.

29% of respondents with long COVID symptoms reported having a change in their health of ‘‘worse’ or ‘much worse’ after their first COVID infection, compared to 7% of those without long COVID symptoms.
Respondents with long COVID symptoms were more likely to report changes across quality of life measures including pain, mental health, sleep, social function, cognitive function, physical function, and fatigue. See figure below.

39% of respondents with long COVID symptoms reported being very worried about losing their job if they were to miss two days of work due to illness.

Symposium Discussions

Towards the end of the symposium, participants moved into breakout rooms and discussed strategic next steps. LCH notetakers transcribed these conversations and plan to take the insights and input from the wide range of voices that participated to highlight areas of need and inform policy recommendations.

What’s Next?

The LCH will disseminate several materials related to the long COVID study and symposium in the coming weeks, including:

A policy brief, accessible via the LCH website
An infographic, highlighting key insights from the study
A full recording of the Symposium

If you have questions regarding the study, symposium, or future collaboration with the Latino Center for Health, please email latcntr@uw.edu.

Materials

Slides presented at the long COVID Symposium by Dr. Leo Morales of the Latino Center for Health, and Jazmine Castillo and Samir Racid Zaim of the Allen Institute for Immunology:

LCH-Long-COVID-Symposium-Slides Download

Slides presented at the long COVID Symposium by Dr. Janna Friedly of UW Medicine:

Janna-Friedly-Slides Download

LCH Co-Director Dr. Morales Wins WSPHA Award

Here Dr. Leo Morales accepts his award virtually on Oct. 12, 2023.

On Oct. 12, the Washington State Public Health Association (WSPHA) presented the annual Secretary’s Award to Dr. Leo Morales for his work to protect and promote the health and well-being of everyday Washingtonians. The presentation was part of the 2023 WSPHA Annual Conference for Health.

Each year WSPHA’s annual awards recognize distinguished individuals for their contributions to improving the public’s health in Washington. Nominations for the annual awards are solicited from WSPHA members and the broader public health community for the Public Health Leadership Award, Public Health Excellence Award, Adrian Dominguez Health Equity Award, Exceptional Student Award, and more.

The WSPHA is a non-profit, membership organization, an affiliate of the American Public Health Association, and convenes those who care about the public’s health in the state of Washington.

Hablando con Dr. Gino Aisenberg y Dr. Leo Morales, Co-Directores del Latino Center for Health

Hoy, en nuestro programa estrella, “Hablado con la Dra. Ponce-Gonzalez”, tenemos unos gran invitados, Dr. Gino Aisenberg y Dr. Leo Morales, los Co-Directores del Latino Center for Health. LCH es una voz líder en los problemas de salud actuales y emergentes que afectan a las comunidades latinas en el estado de Washington. LCH es el único centro de investigación interdisciplinario en ciencias de salud en la región con un enfoque singular en la promoción de la salud de los latinos. Ve la entrevista aquí.

2023 LCH Fellowship Graduation & Panelist Meeting

The LCH Fellowship Graduation & Panelist meeting is took place on June 2nd, 2023 and featured contributions from Natasha Ludwig Barron, Ph.D., MPH, Gabino Abarca, MPH, and Tomás A. Madrigal, PH.D.

On June 2nd, the 2023 scholars of the Latino Center for Health Graduate Student Fellowship Program met for the third time for a panelist Q&A and to celebrate the graduation of its scholars. The esteemed lineup of panelists included Tomás A. Madrigal, PH.D. and former LCH scholars Natasha Ludwig Barron Ph.D., MPH, and Gabino Abarca, MPH. The discussions covered a broad range of topics including community-based research, navigating graduate school, networking, and community building efforts.

The meeting also celebrated the graduation of six of the 12 scholars in this year’s LCH Fellowship Program. The graduating scholars are:

Diana Flores, Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Washington, School of Dentistry
Carlos Vargas, Master of Social Work, University of Washington, School of Social Work
Ximena Vargas, Master of Prosthetics and Orthotics, University of Washington, School of Medicine
Adrina Petersen, Master of Social Work, University of Washington, Tacoma School of Social Work
Deanna Vasquez Chavez, Bachelor of Social Work, Heritage University, School of Social Work
Enrique Licona, Bachelor of Social Work, Heritage University, School of Social Work

The LCH would like to congratulate the graduating scholars on the completion of their respective programs and wish them success in their ventures moving forward. We are excited to see what contributions their leadership and expertise will make on their communities.

Additionally, the LCH is proud of the strong academic performance of 2023 scholars who will be continuing their studies. These scholars are:

Kimberly Henriquez, DNP(c), University of Washington School of Nursing
Jenna Wildeman, PharmD(c), University of Washington School of Pharmacy
Ana Sandoval Zazueta, MD(c), University of Washington School of Medicine
Stephanie Bazalar, MBA(c), University of Washington, Bothell School of Business
Gabriela León, MD(c), Washington State University, Floyd College of Medicine
Destiny Alejandra Hernandez, MD(c), Washington State University, Floyd College of Medicine

We would like to offer our continued support as a resource as you continue your academic journey. If you would like to view the meeting in its entirety, please see the recording at the top of the page.

Long COVID in the Latinx Community: Summit in Review

Long COVID in the Latinx Community: An Unaddressed Consequence of COVID was a virtual summit hosted on May 5th by the Latino Center for Health to discuss the impacts of long COVID in the Latinx community in Washington state.

The summit brought together a diverse group of attendees from various fields and backgrounds, all sharing a common goal of better understanding and addressing the challenges faced by individuals affected by long COVID. The summit provided an enriching platform for open discussions, exchange of knowledge, and future collaborations between health officials, medical professionals, community leaders, elected officials, and key community stakeholders.

Event Overview

The summit included remarks and presentations from several honored guests:

Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, Chief of Health Science at the Executive Office of Health and Science at the Washington State DOH
Janna L. Friedly, Physiatrist at UW Medicine’s Rehabilitation Medicine clinics at Harborview Medical Center and a Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine
Aarthi Talla, Principal Bioinformatician at The Allen Institute for Immunology
Lisa McCorkell, Co-Founder and Long COVID Patient-Researcher at Patient-Led Research Collaborative
And a presentation by students of Frank Martinez, CTO at Carina and Guest Faculty Member at the UW iSchool

In addition to presentations, small group breakout room sessions were held throughout the day. These allowed attendees from different professional backgrounds to share expertise and perspectives and serve as a springboard for collaboration.