Latino communities in Washington State are facing serious health problems. Many people are dealing with conditions like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, but they often can’t get the care they need. This is due to barriers like not having insurance, language differences, fear of deportation, and living in areas without nearby doctors. To help, the Latino Center for Health at the University of Washington, led by Dr. Leo Morales, started the Mi Salud pilot program.
Mi Salud is a mobile health program that provides important health screenings, advice, and referrals to Latino communities that don’t have easy access to healthcare. The program works with local community groups to make sure services are bilingual, culturally relevant, and easy for people to use. This builds on the Latino Center for Health’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they organized vaccine pop-ups for underserved communities.
Early results from Mi Salud show a major need for these services. Many people screened had high rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Mi Salud is more than just a health program—it’s a lifeline for communities that have been left out by traditional healthcare systems. Under Dr. Morales’ leadership, the program is helping bridge healthcare gaps and create healthier futures for Latino families across Washington State.
