A Brief History of the Latino Health Council

In 1994, The Southern District of the American Cancer Society created the CulturalDiversity Committee. It was formed to explore the cancer service needs of the under-served population in Dane County. A year later a Latino health issue group was formedand began to survey the health needs of the Latino population and developed trainingprograms to respond to cancer concerns. The Council on Latino Health was establishedin 1996 as result of this group and was created to address specific cancer and health-related issues facing the Latino community.

Now known as the Latino Health Council (LHC), it has evolved over the years to includeother health concerns in addition to cancer. The Council has become a resource forindividuals and organizations interested in Latino health.

Several initiatives have resulted from the work of this group including:• A yearly Latino Health Fair with over 500 people attendance.• Community needs assessment.• Health Education Spanish Radio Program.• Breast cancer prevention community- based education program.• Chronic disease summit (Diabetes and cardiovascular disease)• Mental health summit

The LHC Mission

The mission of the LHC is to promote and support the health and wellbeing of the Latino community through education, advocacy, consultingand networking.
The Goals of the LHC

1. Provide leadership and guidance to community based organizations planningto reach the Latino community.
2. Assist in providing and promoting education, screening and early detectionprograms to the Latino community.
3. Promote access to quality and affordable health care that is culturally andlanguage appropriate.
4. Strengthen partnerships among community organizations to address healthneeds in the Latino community.