The Loma Linda University School of Public Health and the Mexican Consulate in San Bernardino have partnered to prepare for the 12th annual Binational Health Week (BHW) event in San Bernardino Oct. 1-14.
According to its Web site, since its inception, the Binational Health Week "has become one of the largest mobilization efforts in the Americas to improve the health and well-being of the underserved Latino population living in the United States and Canada." Thousands of organizations, government agencies, and volunteers conduct health promotion and education events, as well as vaccinations and medical screenings, in 40 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces.
In past years, School of Public Health students and faculty have assisted with health education, prevention and preparedness exhibitions and services at BHW events. Together with the Consulate, the School of Public Health is this year's event's main organizer.
In addition, students, faculty and even some alumni have been participating in Ventanilla de Salud (VDS) project, where they answer individuals' health questions and give presentations on various health topics. The VDS project was created by the Mexican government, whose consulates partner with local universities, organizations, and health care providers to offer health information to those in need.