Sept. 30 discussion examines ways to meet health care needs of the Latino community

The community is invited to join Cal State Monterey Bay’s College of Health Sciences and Human Services in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a discussion on Sept. 30.

Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati and Zoila Escobar will share vital information on programs and strategies to meet the health care needs of the Latino community.

Dr. Baezconde-Garbanati is a professor at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Her work focuses on community-based research and public health initiatives that explore the role of culture in health behaviors, with an emphasis on the elimination of health disparities.

Ms. Escobar is vice president of strategic development and community support at AltaMed Health Services Corp., a non-profit that delivers health care to underserved communities in Southern California. She also serves as president of the AltaMed Foundation.

Pete Delgado, CEO of Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, will moderate the discussion.

The free event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. in the World Theater. A reception will follow the discussion. Visitors must purchase a parking permit from a dispenser on the lot.

CSUMB works to make events accessible to everyone. For disability accommodations, call 582-4580.

The event is sponsored by Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, Doctors on Duty, Natividad Medical Center and Carmel Mission Inn.