Latino millennials in Los Angeles County now have a free mobile resource to help them live healthier lives.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) announced the launch of FAMILIA, a new bilingual text message program that provides health information and resources in English and Spanish for the Latino community.
“Our goal is to improve the health of young Latinos in Los Angeles County by providing useful tips direct to their cell phones,” said Cynthia Harding, MPH, Interim Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “FAMILIA is a free, innovative text and online program designed specifically for Latino young adults, ages 18-29, who make up over half of the Latino population in LA County.”
FAMILIA focuses on seven wellness strategies which contribute to healthier lifestyles: Family Planning, Active Living, Maintaining a Healthy Weight, Improving Nutrition, Less Stress, Including Men and Women, and Addressing Abuse.
To join, subscribers text “LAFAMILIA” to the number 55000, and choose to receive messages in English or Spanish. Over three months, subscribers will receive weekly texts with tips related to one of the seven topics, plus a link to Public Health’s website for more information, apps, blogs, and videos.
Latinos comprise nearly half of the 10.3 million inhabitants in Los Angeles County, and over half (54%) of the Latino population are ages 18-29. Millennials comprise the highest users of text messaging. This preconception health campaign in Los Angeles County represents an opportunity to educate and improve health outcomes for Latino young adults. In Los Angeles County, 60% of births are to Latinos – 57% of which are unplanned.
Texting is an effective means of delivering health information. Recent studies show that 97% of Americans of reproductive age own a cell phone. 72% looked online for health information within the past year. According to the Pew Institute, Latinos, no matter their socio-economic status are the highest text users of all ethnicities in the U.S.
FAMILIA was developed by a team of health care professionals with input and testing by the target audience, and is funded by a grant from the National Preconception Health and Healthcare Initiative and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
FAMILIA is an initiative of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health partnering with other county departments and public agencies, community-based organizations, and health care providers to improve the health of young Latinos.
Visit Public Health website for more information about FAMILIA.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
Tweet This
Facebook
Digg This
Bookmark
Stumble
RSS
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.
1 Comment
I wonder why so many Latinos are having children?
It’s called, “anchor babies.” Arrive in this country illegally and have babies on american soil. The child is now a United States citizen and eligible for all sorts of taxpayer services. Meanwhile, they are not permitted to work in the United States, therefore receive a salary that is paid in cash, which means it is not taxed and untraceable.
Making $100,000 salary per year in taxable income is identical to making $30,000 salary per year in cash (non-taxable income).