Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute making heart health access and care easier for Spanish-speaking population
Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute is making sure heart care is more accessible for those of Hispanic descent who live in the Lehigh Valley Health Network service area in eastern Pennsylvania.
Research shows people of Hispanic descent have disproportionately high rates of certain risk factors for cardiovascular disease, so the Heart and Vascular Institute started Centro del Corazón to help.
“Centro del Corazón was created for several reasons, including providing important information to our Hispanic population about better heart health with more and easier access to heart care,” cardiologist Benjamin Sanchez, MD, says. “Through Centro del Corazón, we’re working to break down cultural and language barriers and make a difference.”
Sanchez, who heads up the new program, says Centro del Corazón isn’t a place or a physical building, but an effort within the Heart and Vascular Institute to help reduce heart disease risk factors, educate about good heart health, and more.
Prime heart disease risk factors for Hispanics include:
“Sometimes there may be cultural or language barriers that prevent someone from seeking information or care,” Sanchez says. “We want the Hispanic population throughout this region to know we are here for them. Through additional Spanish-speaking caregivers and partnerships with existing groups, including Valley Health Partners, we can raise the bar for Hispanic heart health in our community.”
For more information about Centro del Corazón, call 610-402-3110.
