Women’s Health

This annual Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, is truly a reminder to all Latinos to celebrate customs and traditions across communities. This year, the Hispanic Heritage Month theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” This theme highlights the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that defines the Hispanic experience.

As a native of the Dominican Republic, Hispanic Heritage Month holds deep significance for me. It is a time to honor and celebrate the rich culture, history, and contributions of the Hispanic community. This month is one of reflection, pride, and recognition of the resilience and vibrancy that define our heritage. From the rich flavors of our foods to the vibrant sounds of our music, Hispanic culture is a beautiful mosaic that continues to influence, inspire, and shape our society in meaningful ways. A fun fact about the Hispanic community is its incredible diversity—Hispanics come from more than 20 different countries, each with its own distinct culture, traditions, and dialects. This diversity enriches the cultural landscape of the United States, making Hispanic Heritage Month a celebration of many varied traditions that contribute to the Hispanic identity.

September 15-21 is National Farm Safety and Health Week, a time to reflect upon the well-being of those who produce the food on our tables. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the agricultural sector is the most dangerous in America with 453 fatalities in 2021. In observance of the week, Sandra Rivera, a Community Health Worker at Oak Orchard Health, shares how it helps keep farmworkers in Western New York safe and healthy:

MOMMAS House, a residential program for young homeless pregnant or parenting women ages 18 to 24 and their babies, recently celebrated the completion of its first Nurturing Parenting Program class. MOMMAS House developed the Nurturing Parenting Program with funding provided by Fidelis Care. 

A Fidelis Care StreetSide RV visited a Rochester shopping plaza in June to share information about NY State of Health’s recent eligibility expansion for The Essential Plan. The Essential Plan now allows more New Yorkers access to high-quality, affordable health insurance. New Yorkers whose income is up to 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Line, which stands at a $37,650 annual income for an individual, may now be eligible for Essential Plan coverage.