Hispanic Health Initiatives
EN ESPAÑOL South Carolina has the fourth fastest growing Hispanic population in the nation. The increase in the number of Hispanic residents has been recent enough that the cultural norms and health beliefs of the Hispanic population are not well understood by health care providers. Language barriers, poverty, and cultural differences are associated with utilization of fewer preventive services, increased use of hospital emergency rooms, and less satisfaction with care among Hispanics. The growing Hispanic community in the Low Country mandates creative approaches that address issues of access, quality, and satisfaction with health services.
The Office of Hispanic Health Initiatives in the MUSC College of Nursing has received grant funding from The Duke Endowment and the Health Resources and Services Administration. Listed below are HHI's purposes, upcoming events and contact information.
Purpose - Expand the knowledge and skills of health care providers to deliver culturally sensitive and effective care to the Hispanic community in South Carolina and improve access and quality of care for this population
- Implement and coordinate educational and clinical programs to reduce health disparities in the growing Hispanic community in South Carolina
- Promote interdisciplinary and interagency state-wide collaboration as a strategy for the development of multicultural resources to serve the Hispanic community
- Increase recruitment and retention of Hispanic students and faculty in nursing and other health professional fields
Upcoming Events
*NEW*
Mexican Consulate Visit
May 17, 2008 (Saturday) from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Where? Wando High School
*The purpose for this visit to Wando High School is to provide Mexicans living here with services specifically for them. There will be officials available to help out with documentation, but only if a prior appointment has been made. There will also be some health screens and health information available.
*THIS SUMMER ONLY*
- 28 Nursing Contact Hours
"Intermediate Medical Spanish for Healthcare Professionals"
From May 28th-July 14th: Mondays and Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 pm
Carol Whelan @ 792-2651, whelanc@musc.edu
Professor Anne Lawn @ 792-4362, lawn@musc.edu
Cost for CE student: $300.00 CE credit course fee (plus apprx. $50.00 textbook price)
Cost for MUSC student: $100.00 (plus apprx. $50.00 textbook price)
Register: www.musc.edu/nursing (click on Continuing Education)
*NEW*
Charleston Carifest 2008
June 20-22, 2008
Celebrate National Caribbean Heritage Month with Reggae, Soca, Steel Bands, Dancers and Masqueraders from St. Kitts and Nevis! Enjoy Caribbean food, drinks and fun for the entire family.
For more information on specific events and times, please call Lorna Beck at 557-6258.
Contact Us
Hispanic Health Initiatives
MUSC College of Nursing, 5th Floor
99 Jonathan Lucas Street
PO Box 250160
Charleston, SC 29425 Telephone: (843) 792-4362
Email: lawn@musc.edu
Fax: (843) 792-2104 | 
