FDA to improve access to health information for Hispanic communities

As part of the celebration for Cinco de Mayo 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (NAHH) today strengthened their commitment to work together to improve access to health information, especially to Hispanic communities in the United States.

To mark the occasion, FDA's Acting Commissioner, Dr. Lester M. Crawford, and the President and CEO of NAHH, Jane L. Delgado, Ph.D., signed a letter of commitment to work together toward reaching Hispanic consumers with the best health information available so they can help themselves prevent disease and stay healthy.

"One of FDA's top priorities is to empower consumers by improving health through better information," said Dr. Crawford. "As an example, in October 2003, FDA and the Administration on Aging forged a partnership with the National Alliance for Hispanic Health to strengthen outreach networks to older Hispanic American and their caregivers. Our collaboration to provide all consumers with the best health information will continue to grow stronger over the years."

The goals of this collaboration include:

• Expanding consumer access to Spanish language health information, such as on the FDA web site at: https://www.fda.gov/ 
• Initiating joint efforts for community outreach with the National Alliance, such as delivering information through the bilingual toll-free helpline Su Familia (1-866-SU-FAMILIA or 1-866-783-2645); and
• Enhancing the ongoing dialogue between Agency and Hispanic leaders throughout the country on key public health issues.

For Cinco de Mayo 2004, a new Spanish language brochure is available entitled "The Facts about the Upcoming New Benefits in Medicare," available from www.medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.