Health

NEW YORK, June 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Although 20% of the US Population is Latino, only 2% of all healthcare executives are prepared to address Latino healthcare challenges. The Association of Hispanics Healthcare Executives (AHHE), together with politicians, policy makers, and healthcare leaders, is providing a unique healthcare dialogue and solutions for the Latino community at its 2012 Annual Healthcare Diversity Awards Gala. Keynote Speaker, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Thomas Farley, MD, MPH, will be promoting health in Latinos at this Awards Event, to be held at the New York Academy of Medicine on June 20, 2012 from 6:00pm to 10:30pm.

The Latino community is the largest and youngest minority group in the US, yet it is one of the minority groups that faces the biggest challenges in the healthcare area:

• highest rates of preventable diseases
• a high percentage of Latinos are uninsured

Healthcare costs in the US account for 18% of GDP, therefore a more efficient way to address Latino healthcare challenges affects all Americans. According to George Zeppenfeldt, AHHE National President, "Efficient healthcare management not only involves managing scarce resources, but it also involves understanding the patients' demographics." There is an urgent need for Latinos to manage major healthcare facilities and minority health policy, because "Latino professionals are a critical component to better understanding and addressing the health needs of this community," says Mr. Zeppenfeldt.


AHHE is committed to preparing the next generation of Latino healthcare executives to take on leadership roles in healthcare policy and administration. Since its creation, the association has worked to find solutions to the healthcare challenges in the Latino community as well as our larger healthcare system.

For more detailed information please visit: http://www.ahhe.org or you may also contact Dr. Mirian Zavala mzavala@ahhe.org (917) 653 - 2467
For all Press inquires please contact: George Zeppenfeldt: gzeppenfeldt@ahhe.org
(917) 974 - 8164

About AHHE: The Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives (AHHE) was founded in 1988 as a national voluntary organization seeking to foster programs and policies to increase the presence of Hispanics in health administration professions. AHHE is the first organization devoted exclusively to Hispanic healthcare executives and to the education of the healthcare industry about the Hispanic healthcare marketplace. The East Coast Chapter of AHHE was founded in New York City in 1999 as a regional affiliate of the national organization and became the national headquarters in 2002.

CONTACT:
George Zeppenfeldt
gzeppenfeldt@ahhe.org
(917) 974 - 8164


SOURCE Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives