BCBSM Focuses on West Michigan Hispanic Community with Upcoming Events
Emily Alemán-McAlpine
| 2 min read
BCBSM Senior Community Liaison, Community Responsibility
Did you know that Michigan is home to the second-largest Hispanic population in the Midwest? An estimated 4.4 percent of the statewide population was Hispanic or Latino in 2010, according to the United States Census. This growing population adds a rich culture and fabric to our communities, but oftentimes experiences negative health outcomes at a rate higher than other groups. According to the Michigan Department of Community Health’s 2012 Hispanic Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, Hispanic adults reported higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and depressive disorders. At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, our goal is to bring reliable health information to everyone in every community. We have a particular passion for groups with historically less access to health care resources. Although Hispanic Heritage month does not officially begin until September 15, the Blues is starting early and feel the best way to honor Hispanic heritage is by supporting initiatives that promote health in the Latino community. We’ll have a presence at several West Michigan events celebrating Hispanic culture and wellness over the next two months. Stop by our booth at the following events for your chance to talk health with on-site experts.
- Aug. 15: Entre Mujeresis an all-day women’s conference aimed at the Hispanic community. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will be available for free health screenings, including body mass index checks, blood pressure readings, and skin screenings.
- Sept. 11-13: The Grand Rapids Hispanic Festivaltakes place downtown on Calder Plaza and is free and open to the public. BCBSM is proud to sponsor the second-annual Futsal tournament on Sept. 12 and 13.
- Sept. 18-19: Fiesta Mexicana takes place the next weekend, also on Calder Plaza. The Blues will provide health screenings and health and wellness information. One of the largest and oldest ethnic festivals in Grand Rapids, this is the 46th year for the festival, which celebrates the culture, music, art, and food of Mexico and Latin America.
- Nov. 1: Dia de los Muertos 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run BCBSM is happy to sponsor this race that kicks off at the Muskegon YMCA. The event celebrates Hispanic culture while promoting health and wellness. Check out our coverage of the event last year.
We want to talk to you about your health! Please join us in celebrating Hispanic culture and good health at one of the events we’ll be appearing at in your community. If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
- Futsal: One More Reason to Join Us at the Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival this Weekend
- Blue Cross Celebrates Diversity with 10th Annual Supplier Diversity Awards
- Celebrating This Year's Faith in Wellness Winners
Photo credit: Julie Bitely
