National Alliance for Hispanic Health and Parkinson's Foundation Collaboration
In a significant move, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and the Parkinson's Foundation have announced their collaboration to launch an awareness campaign for Parkinson's disease during the Parkinson's Awareness Month 2025. This initiative is particularly vital for the Hispanic community, which accounts for nearly 20% of the U.S. population. This partnership aims to enhance the accessibility of vital health information and resources tailored specifically to the needs of Hispanic individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Introducing PAM: Your Guide to Parkinson's Disease Awareness
The campaign's theme for this year focuses on 'Meet PAM,' a friendly character created by the Parkinson's Foundation, who is set to guide individuals through the various aspects of Parkinson's disease. PAM will provide essential resources, share personal stories, and offer expert advice, empowering affected individuals and their families.
Recent statistics highlight the alarming realities for Hispanic and Latino individuals grappling with Parkinson's disease. Research indicates that they are more likely to experience early-onset Parkinson's disease and often receive inferior treatment, which results in a significant disparity compared to their white non-Hispanic counterparts. This collaboration seeks to address these inequalities by fostering cultural sensitivity in healthcare delivery and ensuring that Hispanic patients receive equitable treatment.
Enhancing Accessibility and Community Engagement
To effectively bridge the gap in Parkinson's care and research, several key actions will be taken, including:
1.
Expansion of Spanish Language Resources: The partnership will enhance the availability of Spanish resources through
Parkinson.org/Espanol, which will include access to the Parkinson’s disease library, blog posts, virtual programs, and more.
2.
Promoting Research Participation: There will be a concerted effort to encourage participation in research studies, ensuring that Hispanic communities are adequately represented in clinical trials, which is crucial for developing better treatment options.
3.
Direct Support through Help Lines: Individuals can seek support via the Parkinson's Foundation’s Helpline (1-800-4PD-INFO, option 3 for Spanish) for expert guidance and referrals, as well as from the National Health Line for Families (1-866-783-2645).
4.
Culturally Relevant Exercise Programs: The EP Salud en Casa initiative will offer culturally relevant exercise and wellness programs through a platform featuring instructional videos and educational sessions tailored to individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Key Topics During Parkinson's Awareness Month
Throughout April, PAM will delve into significant topics associated with Parkinson's disease, including:
- - Recognizing early symptoms of the disease.
- - Understanding disease progression and available treatment options.
- - Learning about community support resources for both individuals and caregivers.
- - Highlighting ongoing research efforts and advocacy initiatives.
The central hub for information is Parkinson.org/Awareness (in English) and Parkinson.org/Concientización (in Spanish), where individuals can access vital news and follow PAM's journey through engaging weekly videos on social media in both languages.
Call to Action
The National Alliance for Hispanic Health and the Parkinson's Foundation are inviting individuals, caregivers, healthcare providers, and advocates to participate in Parkinson's Awareness Month. Visit
Parkinson.org/Concientizacion to explore resources, engage in events, and support equitable access to care for those affected by Parkinson's disease.
About the National Alliance for Hispanic Health
The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is the premier scientific information source and trusted advocate for Hispanic health in the United States, dedicated to achieving optimal health for all. Learn more at
www.healthyamericas.org.
Mission of the Parkinson's Foundation
The Parkinson's Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people impacted by Parkinson’s disease through advancements in care and research towards a cure. Our work is driven by the energy, experiences, and passion of the global community affected by this condition.