FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: February 13, 2006 Media Contacts:
Amon Marstiller
Gloria Sánchez (en español)
(919) 828-1819
Foundation Launches Spanish Language
Web Site
Part of Large Scale Latino-Based
Infant Mortality Reduction Effort
(Raleigh, NC) - The North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation
announces the launch of a Spanish language Web site,
as part of their effort to better serve North Carolina's
increasing Latino population. The result is one
of the state's most comprehensive bilingual online
health resources.
The new site, www.nchealthystart.org/enespanol,
provides detailed information regarding infant mortality
reduction, women's health, pregnancy, infant
care, child health insurance and North Carolina's
healthcare system.
"Latinos are a growing sector of our state's
population, whose well-being is vital to North Carolina's
overall health," said Janice Freedman, the Foundation's
executive director."As health advocates
we feel it is essential to use a variety of strategies
to effectively communicate with all groups. This
includes Spanish speakers, for whom very few local
online health resources exist."
The Web launch is part of the Foundation's Ana
María Campaign, a comprehensive public education
initiative designed to reach Latinos. Since
1999, the award-winning campaign has been providing
health information and referrals through linguistically
and culturally appropriate educational print materials,
advertisements and broadcast programming.
Currently the Foundation has 22 Spanish-language educational
materials available, and last year distributed nearly
500,000 pieces, free of charge, to health organizations,
community groups, businesses and individuals across
the state. Materials feature topics related to improving
women's health, pregnancy, infant mortality reduction
and children's health.
Among the newest print publications to be released
are two fotonovelas, or picture stories, featuring
Latinos in everyday settings discussing specific health
related topics. Materials are free, and can be
ordered through the Foundation's Web site or
catalog, which can be obtained by calling 919-828-1819.
"The new site is just a part of our overall
effort to reach Latinos," explained Gloria Sañchez,
the Foundation's Latino outreach coordinator."We
feel it is the essential next step in the Ana María
campaign, which has been very effective at communicating
health information critical to infant mortality reduction
efforts and improving the overall health of women and
children in North Carolina."
