COVID-19 has affected the health, job safety and financial security of Latinos. Hispanic people are almost 2.5 times as likely to die from COVID-19 than white/non-Hispanic people, when age is taken into account. This disproportionate impact of the pandemic is shedding a new national light on the alarmingly low COVID-19 vaccination rate remaining within the Latino community.
As a champion for health equity, the American Heart Association, the leading global voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke for all, has launched a new public awareness campaign—Stay Fuerte for All— in Denver, Colorado and across the U.S, to empower and inform the community about the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine in a way that is relevant to Latino culture and language.
According to a journal from the Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society, the lack of accurate Spanish-language resources about COVID-19 vaccinations has contributed to a prevalence of misinformation, adversely impacting communities of color at a greater rate.
“COVID-19 vaccine misinformation continues to be widespread among the Hispanic community, but studies have shown the vaccines are safe and effective for all adults. That includes people with existing medical conditions like heart disease as well as for people of color, all of whom were part of the large participant groups in the vigorous scientific research conducted to test the vaccines,” said Eduardo Sánchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAAFP, Chief Medical Officer for Prevention at the American Heart Association. “Stay Fuerte for All is a life-saving message, presented in a culturally appropriate way.”
The campaign launch is timed in honor of Hispanic Heritage month to empower and inform the community in language and in culture about the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
“COVID-19 vaccine misinformation continues to be widespread among the Hispanic community, but studies have shown the vaccines are safe and effective for all adults.”
Dr. Eduardo Sánchez, American Heart Association
The “Stay Fuerte for All” initiative will become a permanent part of the Association’s continuing efforts to raise lifesaving awareness within vulnerable communities. It is also designed to both equip and inspire community change agents to support efforts to reduce health disparities within the Latino community and help overcome barriers to some of the challenges they face, such as limited access to healthcare. Many Latino people are at an increased risk for serious health complications – including a heart attack – due to the added stress caused by health, social and economic factors.
Studies show Latino, Black and Native American people and those living in rural areas are experiencing higher rates of COVID-19 and more severe complications, including heart issues and even death. A recent scientific study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart failure were four of the top risks for COVID-19 complications. People in historically under-resourced communities are more likely to have underlying health conditions and are more likely to work essential jobs limiting their ability to socially distance. In addition, they are less likely to have access to quality health care and may delay seeking care.
The Association previously announced plans to invest more than $230 million over the next four years to support targeted initiatives and programs. The “Stay Fuerte for All” is an additional effort focused on the Hispanic community to drive systemic public health change aimed at removing barriers to equitable health for everyone, everywhere.
Learn more about the campaign here.
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