The Latino Community and the Health Care Reality:

A significant number of the Latino population in the United States lacks access to health care. This number, in fact, makes up 25 percent of the nation's uninsured.*

Día de la Mujer Latina has taken on the task to help bridge the gap in the access to health care for the medically underserved.

Uninsured Latina women with breast cancer are 2.3 times more likely to be diagnosed at a larger stage, making it less treatable. Uninsured Latino men with prostate cancer are 3.75 more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, making it less treatable. *

Día de la Mujer Latina's Promotores communicate the message about early detection screening.

The hospitalization rate for diabetes-related amputations among Latinos increased from 63 admissions per 100,000 people in 2001 to nearly 80 admissions per 100,000 people in 2004. **

Día de la Mujer Latina's Promotores eliminate mistrust and facilitate diabetes screening in health fiestas and other cultural events.

Only about 49 percent of Latinos who are not comfortable speaking English have a regular source of health care, such as a family doctor or community health clinic, compared to 63 percent of Latinos who speak English proficiently.**

Día de la Mujer Latina's Promotores navigate patients who are medically underserved and uninsured with limited literacy skills.

* Intercultural Cancer Council ** Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality