Indiana Latino Institute Town Hall

On October 26th, Smoke Free Indy partners the Indiana Latino Institute, hosted a town hall for the Latino community. Below is information about their town hall.

Growth and Development of the Hispanic Community in Indianapolis
Panel Discussion with Latino Community Leaders

On Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at the Marian Center of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Indiana Latino Institute, Inc. (ILI), in collaboration with the Latino Health Organization, organized a panel discussion of Latino community leaders with 63 participants from the community in attendance.

The objective for the panel discussion, facilitated by guest Moderator, Marco Dominguez, both in English and Spanish, was to open the lines of communication between Latino community leaders and the Latino community or those interested in or working with the Latino community regarding issues of faith, public safety, business and health, along with local and state public officials.

Fr. Michael O’Mara, St. Mary’s Church, Officer Carlos Trincado, IMPD, Ms. Veronica Guerrero, female business owner of Creaciones Guerrero, Dr. Lluvia Medina – Alivio Medical Center, topic tobacco and the Latino community, Carlos May, Latino Affairs Office of the Mayor, Angel Rivera, City-County Council Member at Large, and Damiel Lopez, Indiana Commission on Hispanic Latino Affairs.

While panelist talked about what their groups are doing, the Indiana Latino Institute, wanted to make sure they are on board with the institute’s mission. ILI wanted to educate Latino leaders on the importance of Indianapolis becoming smoke free. In the Midwest, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are all smoke free states. Why not Indianapolis? Why not Indiana?... Latinos are at high risk for health complications related to tobacco due to first hand or secondhand smoke, as 60% of the Latino community work in the service industry where many places are still not completely smoke free. It is important for Indianapolis to pass a comprehensive smoke free ordinance that covers all workers.