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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2004

HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343

Statement by Tommy G. Thompson Secretary of Health and Human Services On Hispanic Heritage Month; September 15 Through October 15

During Hispanic Heritage month HHS proudly recognizes the achievements of the Hispanic community and their contributions to this great country. The character and optimism of this great culture is truly part of the American fabric.

Hispanic values, hard work and commitment to family, set positive examples for all Americans. In the same way, here at HHS our commitment and values to improving the health of Hispanics and all Americans is steadfast. Since President George W. Bush asked me to serve at HHS, we have made the battle against health disparities a top priority.

We have led the fight to immunize all children and we now have the highest immunization rates among Hispanic children ever. However, we must do more in order to ensure that all our children grow up with the promise of a better and healthier life.

Hispanics also represent the largest ethnic group served by the health center programs. HHS is in the third year of the President's five-year initiative to add or expand community health centers in 1,200 communities by 2006 and to increase to 16 million the number of patients it serves.

To help us better guide key programs and agencies President George W. Bush has tapped three top Hispanic leaders to serve at HHS. Acting Assistant Secretary for Health Cristina V. Beato, Assistant Secretary for Aging Josefina G. Carbonell and the U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona. All of them come with impressive backgrounds and experience that have allowed us to better guide programs for our Hispanic community.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage, I call on the Hispanic community to take time to show our loved ones how much you care by participating in "Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day." You can do this by making an appointment for your husband, wife, children or parents to see a doctor during Hispanic Heritage Month. Together with a little prevention we can celebrate contributions by Hispanics and enjoy better health.

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Last Revised: October 13, 2004

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