Press

Press

Progreso Latino Launches Wellness Program
The Inaugural Class of “Blue Health Angels” has been trained to advise members of
the Latino community based on peer knowledge of health issues

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (April 21, 2009) – Thursday, April 16, Progreso Latino graduated 11 students who will work in its Wellness Center and advise fellow members of the Latino community about improving their general health and accessing healthcare.  The Blue Health Angels Program was funded by a Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Community Health Grant. 

“There is a very real disparity in Rhode Island in who gets excellent healthcare and who doesn’t,” said Ramon Martinez, the president and CEO of Progreso Latino.   “We designed this program so we can help close that gap and improve the lives of our constituents.  We thank our Blue Health Angels for enrolling in this special training so they can offer meaningful health literacy and health education advice. We’re also very thankful to Blue Cross for funding this initiative through the Community Health Grants program.” 
The percentage of Hispanic/Latinos in R.I. who report having no health insurance is nearly four times higher than the white population and almost three times that of the overall state population.  The percentage of Hispanics/Latinos who report being unable to afford to see a doctor is more than twice that of the white and overall state populations.  (Office of Minority Health, R.I. Dept of Health, 2007).

“We strongly support prevention tactics that empower individuals to improve their health,” said Linda H. Newton, vice president of diversity & community relations, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.   “We commend Progreso Latino for designing a program that promotes healthy choices and early detection and treatment.”

Progreso Latino founded its Wellness Center in 1996 with the goal of eliminating the disparity in access to health services that exists between the Latino community and the general populace. The Blue Health Angel graduates come from Central Falls, Cumberland, Providence, Coventry, Cranston and Attleboro. They will assist community members with health screenings; involve them in exercise classes; host educational workshops; provide referrals; and assist with applying for medical insurance and free/low-cost medical services.

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Progreso Latino Financial Literacy Program A Success! A New Start for 25 Graduates.
CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (Apri, 2009) – The first successful financial literacy program sponsored by Progreso Latino and underwritten by Domestic Bank ends this week. The 10 week literacy program couldn’t have come at a better time as many of the participants continue to struggle financially. In some cases, a few lost their homes due to bankruptcy. Ramon Martinez, CEO of Progreso Latino emphasizes, “ there are more than 3,500 Hispanic and minority owned businesses that contribute to the Rhode Island economy, so it is essential Progreso continues to develop partnerships like this to give our communities educational resources needed to thrive.”

With the new-found skills the 25 graduates from the class will begin a new journey managing their finances and using their new knowledge to get back on track in this economy.

Progreso Latino and Domestic Bank knew their best investment would be in the community. With a $75,000 grant from Domestic Bank, the program has been a tremendous success and has empowered the participants to be more self-sufficient.
For more information about the program call (401) 728-5920.

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December 2008
Domestic Bank Reveals $1 Million Commitment to 26 Community Organizations to Support Financial Literacy Programs