Michigan’s La Salud Hosts Dia de los Muertos Event to Educate Public About Health Disparities
La Salud, a Latino/a health student organization at University of Michigan School of Public Health, hosted a celebration of the traditional Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos at the school on Monday, November 2. It was a chance to make traditional decorations like sugar skulls and cookies, but it was also a time to honor the memory of Latinos who have died of preventable diseases, and to educate the public about Latino health disparities.
Latinos are, for example, disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, diabetes and certain types of cancer in this country, the student organizers explained.
La Salud is a student organization at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health addressing Latino/a public health issues in the community. All students who share these concerns and interests are welcome to join the organization. The group's main objectives are:
· To serve as a resource to current Latino/a Public Health students, as well as to facilitate the transition of incoming Latino/a students upon their arrival at the School of Public Health;
· To develop a link between School of Public Health students and Latino communities; and
· To serve as a vehicle for leadership development and building the capacities of members to become public health professionals.
More information about the event is available at the La Salud student blog, http://lasaludum.wordpress.com/.
