In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Self-Care Spotlight will feature prominent Hispanic-American leaders who have contributed to Americans' health and wellness.
Honoring Dr. Helen Rodríguez-Trías (1929–2001)
This week, we're shining a light on Dr. Helen Rodríguez-Trías, a Puerto Rican physician, pediatrician, and advocate for women's and children's health. She is best known for her contributions to public health, her work in advocating for reproductive rights, and her leadership in addressing healthcare disparities in marginalized communities.Dr. Rodríguez-Trías began her medical career specializing in pediatrics. In the 1970s, she worked in Puerto Rico and New York, where she became involved in movements for social justice, particularly focusing on issues affecting minority and low-income communities. She fought for women's reproductive rights and campaigned to ensure that all women had the right to make informed choices about their bodies.Dr. Rodríguez-Trías became the first Latina president of the American Public Health Association (APHA) in 1993, where she used her platform to advocate for reproductive rights, affordable healthcare, and equitable access to services. She was a fierce advocate for public health programs that catered to underserved communities, including people of color, immigrants, and women.In recognition of her lifelong dedication to health equity, Dr. Rodríguez-Trías received numerous awards and accolades, including the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2001, which was awarded by President Bill Clinton. She was also a founding member of the Women's Caucus of the APHA and the Committee for Abortion Rights and Against Sterilization Abuse (CARASA), which fought for reproductive justice for all women.Join us in celebrating the life and work of Dr. Helen Rodríguez-Trías!
Honoring Dr. Elena Ríos
This week, we're shining a light on Dr. Elena Ríos, a Mexican-American physician and leading advocate for health equity, particularly for Hispanic and other underserved communities in the United States. She is currently the President and CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA), an organization dedicated to improving the health of Hispanic populations through leadership, advocacy, and policy initiatives.After practicing as a primary care physician, Dr. Ríos shifted her focus toward public health and advocacy. In 1994, she founded the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA), which represents Hispanic physicians and works to improve healthcare for Hispanic and other underserved communities in the U.S.Through her work with NHMA, Dr. Ríos has advocated for policies that promote health equity, including expanding access to healthcare, improving cultural competence in medical care, and reducing health disparities that affect Hispanic communities. She has worked closely with federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to develop programs aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for minorities.Join us in celebrating the life and work of Dr. Elena Ríos!
Honoring Dr. Rivera
This week, we're shining a light on Dr. Juan Rivera, a Puerto Rican cardiologist and author recognized for his work in preventive cardiology and his efforts to promote health and wellness, particularly within the Hispanic community.Dr. Rivera is known for his focus on preventive cardiology, a branch of medicine that emphasizes lifestyle changes, early detection, and education to prevent heart disease, which is a leading cause of death, particularly in Hispanic communities. His approach includes promoting healthy diets, exercise, and managing conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Rivera has become a widely recognized figure in health communication, particularly through his work as the chief medical correspondent for Univision, the largest Spanish-language television network in the U.S. He regularly appears on Univision’s news programs, sharing medical insights and advice on topics such as cardiovascular health, nutrition, and preventive medicine.In addition to his work on television, Dr. Rivera is a successful author. He has written several best-selling books aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and empowering individuals with practical knowledge about health and wellness, especially focusing on heart health and preventive care.Join us in celebrating the life and work of Dr. Juan Rivera!