The University of New Mexico Health System, in collaboration with the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation (NHCCF), is gearing up for the second annual Día de Salud, a "Day of Health" event aimed at connecting community members with health education and resources. Jamie Silva-Steele, President of UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center, expressed excitement about the event's cultural approach, stating, "What is really exciting about Día de Salud is it is an opportunity to reach the Hispanic community in a way that embraces our cultural background and allows them to also have this opportunity to receive great information and resources on how to improve their health and overall well-being."
Melissa Armijo, chief operations officer for the NHCCF, highlighted the importance of making the event accessible to those who may be hesitant to seek health resources, stating, "We wanted to make sure that we marketed this free event to those in the community who may be a little apprehensive to go see their physician or go to a clinic, to put those resources in front of them to make it a little less scary."
The upcoming Día de Salud event, scheduled for Sunday, April 28 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, aims to reach even more community members than the previous year. Aimee Hopkins, vice president of marketing and programs for the NHCCF, shared details about the event, mentioning that medical professionals will be offering services like blood pressure screenings, glucose checks, and pediatric immunizations. The event will also feature informational tables from various UNM Health departments.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Jamie Silva-Steele emphasized the importance of providing attendees with valuable resources, stating, "I think it is important to grow upon the things learned from last year, to reach in a way that is right in their back yard, and to really give those that attend resources that they might not get otherwise."
In addition to health services and resources, Día de Salud will offer a festive atmosphere with live music, family-friendly games, and food demonstrations. Hopkins mentioned the new addition of a food demonstration, where attendees can learn about healthy food ideas and recipes.
The event, which celebrates both health and culture, aims to provide a unique experience for attendees by offering a combination of health services, entertainment, and community engagement. To learn more about the event and its sponsors or to register as a vendor, interested individuals can visit the event's website.