Reflections On The Year From Executive Director, Cynthia Selmi

Dec 13, 2023

Hello friends, partners, and supporters, Traditionally, Health Outreach Partners ends each year looking back and taking stock of our work. The last three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic the majority of our work was virtual. While we are proud that we were able to...

Experience Deanna’s Hispanic Heritage

Oct 16, 2023

Coming from a mixed background–half Chinese and half Mexican–my upbringing was a fascinating blend of cultures. Living in a multicultural family meant that our dinners were a delightful fusion of Chinese and Mexican flavors, representing our diverse heritage. Language was a significant aspect for my parents; they emphasized my ability to speak Spanish and Cantonese. Through my fluency in Cantonese waned over time, i was fortunate to maintain my proficiency in Spanish, especially due to my intersections with many Latinx communities.

Sexual Health Education is Part of Keeping Our Communities Safe

Sep 18, 2023

Image source: Today There is no standardized way to have the “the birds and the bees” conversation. It is usually up to parents to decide how and when to have that talk with their children. However, I am someone who missed out entirely on that experience. It’s not...

A Cure For Some: HPV Vaccination in Black and Religious Communities

Aug 14, 2023

I was probably only 12 years old the first time the HPV vaccine was brought up by my doctor during my annual check-up. At that time, my parents quickly dismissed the recommendation that all girls be vaccinated around my age. Over the years, my parents’ response...

“There Is No Room for Failure”

Jul 7, 2023

“It is best to not share your feelings with others. They will take advantage.” “You cannot cry. No one will feel bad for you.” “Stick it out and keep pushing.” “There is no room for failure.” These words were imprinted in my mind as mantras. They were constant...

The Structural and Systemic Challenges in Achieving Health Equity

Apr 28, 2023

“Health equity is achieved when everyone can attain their full potential for health and well-being” – CDC April is National Minority Health Month, a time to reflect and build awareness around the inequities that continue to negatively impact the health outcomes...

Learning from the Impacts of COVID-19

Mar 7, 2023

In March, it will have been three years since the spread of COVID-19 prompted lockdowns across the United States and the world. At different points throughout the past three years, hospitals have overflowed with patients, nursing homes have been overwhelmed and...

New Year, Same Fight

Feb 3, 2023

January 22nd, 2023 would have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v Wade. For nearly half a century, the Supreme Court’s landmark decision guaranteed the protection of a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion “without excessive government restriction.” This...