Southern Nevada Health District celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Observance includes focus on health improvement opportunities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 13, 2023
LAS VEGAS – In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation. Noting that Hispanic/Latin Americans comprise the largest minority group in the United States, District Health Officer Dr. Fermin Leguen said, “Diversity is one of our country’s greatest strengths, and we are grateful for the far-reaching impact of Hispanic culture on our society. The Health District is proud to join the local community in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.”
SNHD is highlighting its programs that create opportunities to improve the health and well-being of Hispanic populations in Southern Nevada. SNHD offers a variety of programs and collaborates with community partners to create opportunities to improve the health and well-being of our Hispanic populations through ongoing programs and special activities.
In Clark County, 24.6% of Hispanic or Latino adults were in fair or poor health in 2021. Among Hispanic adults ages 18 and over in Clark County, approximately 38% had obesity. Diabetes prevalence in Hispanic adults was slightly higher than that in non-Hispanic white adults ages 18 and over (12% and 11%, respectively). Nearly 12% of Hispanic adults in Clark County smoked cigarettes in 2021.
During September, SNHD is hosting Diabetes Self-Management, Education, and Support classes in Spanish, providing education and resources to help participants self-manage their type 2 diabetes. The classes are open to anyone with type 2 diabetes as well as people with prediabetes or who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Classes will be held at SNHD’s Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur, Las Vegas, NV 89107 on:
- September 18 and 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- September 21 and 28, 3-5 pm.
Classes are free and registration is required. To register, visit https://gethealthyclarkcounty.org/manage-your-risk/diabetes-form-sp/ or call 702-759-1270.
SNHD also offers help to people who want to quit smoking. The Por Mi Por Ti Por Nosotros, Viva Saludable Latinx initiative, in partnership with the Mexican Patriotic Committee, is supporting a tobacco-free lifestyle at the annual Fiestas Patrias event. It will be held September 16, from 2-9 p.m., at the Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza, 770 Twin Lakes Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89107. SNHD will provide cessation resources as well as culturally and linguistically tailored information on the dangers of smoking and vaping. For more information, visit www.pormiporti.org.
Additionally, the SNHD Por Mi Por Ti Por Nosotros, Viva Saludable Latinx initiative will host an 8-week in-person tobacco cessation program in Spanish. Participants can develop a personalized plan to help them quit, while obtaining professional support and free nicotine replacement therapy. The group sessions will take place at the East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89101. An informational session will be held September 20, at 6:30 p.m., at the center and is open to all community members. The first group session will begin September 27, at 7 p.m. The program is free, and participants must pre-register at https://www.vivasaludable.org/live-tobacco-free/quit-smoking/ or by calling 702-759-1270.
The Viva Saludable website has information on a variety of chronic disease prevention and self-management health topics, provided in Spanish. To catch up on the latest health news, tips and recommendations, visit the Viva Saludable blog at Blog – Viva Saludable.
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.