http://www.redbluffdailynews.com/Storie ... 74,00.html

Mexican Consulate on agenda for Binational Health Week

By CHERYL BRINKLEY-DN Staff Writer

Several topics, including voter registration, discussed in Gerber

GERBER The Mexican Consulate visited Gerber Tuesday. Ivan Sierra was invited to speak to the Hispanic population in Tehama County about dual citizenship, Mexican national identification cards and voter registration for foreign nationals.

Home Help for Hispanic Mothers hosted the event as part of the Binational Health Week.

"We made all the right connections at a health conference in Sacramento the end of August," said Renae Magana, project coordinator. "We asked the Mexican Consulate to come and speak and they accepted."

The visit represents a new relationship being put together by the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission, California-Mexico Health Initiative, University of California, Office of the President and local non-profit organizations.

The goal is to improve the health and well-being of migrant workers and their families, and people without insurance.

"The Binational Health Week has made it possible to raise awareness among the immigrant population about the importance of preventative healthcare it is our main achievement," said Ivan Sierra with the Mexican Consulate.

This year's Binational Health Week is being celebrated in 25 states, the District of Columbia, 17 Mexican states and three Canadian provinces, according to information in a farm labor bulletin.

Although the event benefits Latinos regardless of their national origin, health week targets low-income Mexican communities that lack access to health care.

Sierra talked about how to get dual citizenship and update identification cards before they expire.

"For the first time, Mexican citizens will learn how to vote by absentee ballot for their Mexican president," Magana said.

Several agencies had informational booths at the event before the consulate arrived. The agencies included: Shasta College Red Bluff, First 5 Tehama, Even Start, mental health, job training in Corning, and Rowell Family Empowerment, an organization that gives support, training and information to families with special needs children.

Formerly Sea Center, Rowell Family Empowerment has offices in Redding and Paradise. They hold support groups in Red Bluff, Chico and Glenn County for Spanish-speaking families.

Thora DeLey, program coordinator, said they have training for parents to take a leadership with other parents. The agency also provides a medical binder for special needs children. The binder includes copies of every medical form the child has incurred. It also has an identifying photo of the child in a pocket on the front.

Even Start is a literacy program.

"We educate the entire family so the kids can be successful," said Gloria Lofthus, administrator for the family literacy project.

First 5 Tehama works with children through the first five years. The agency holds a Kinder Camp and School Readiness programs. Family fun is also part of learning.

Home Help for Hispanic Mothers has just recently become a part of the St. Elizabeth Women's and Children's Center. Support services, education and clinical services are provided.