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Latino community prepares for changing health needs in Milwaukee

man speaks at latino health equity summit
Posted at 2:22 PM, Apr 09, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-09 15:22:41-04

MILWAUKEE — A local organization is shining a light on health equity in the Latino community. The Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers — in collaboration with a number of different community organizations — hosted a summit for the second year in a row.

“We want to continue to move the needle on health disparities and give everybody access to the healthiest life possible,” Dr. Julie Schuller said.

One major issue addressed the disparity in health care with Milwaukee's fastest-growing demographic. The Latino community has more than tripled since 1990. Because of this, the goal of the summit is to tackle issues such as lead poisoning, increased rates of diabetes and obesity within that community.

“I think it’s really just building awareness and getting people involved in their now health — health not just meaning going to the doctor," Caroline Gomez-Tom said.

With its rapidly growing population, Gomez-Tom said the Latino community is, in many ways, the future of Milwaukee, and it’s important to start preparing for the changing health needs of the city now.