The goal is to improve the physical and mental health conditions of Latinos in Los Angeles County.

Mr. Domingo López arrived at the Consulate of Mexico in Los Angeles on Monday morning to take several preventive health exams. All free of cost.

“A lady invited me and I think it's good for people who don't have money like me,” said Lopez, 66, who attended the health fair at the consulate to start Health Month.

During his visit, López got the flu vaccine and then the fatty liver test was performed.

"It's good that you know how your health is and see if I can continue eating taquitos or not," Lopez said with a smile.

A few steps away was Mrs. Jessenia Castillo, who went with her husband and four children. Castillo said that her husband was going to do some paperwork and once they arrived they saw the multiple informative tables of different health programs and services.

“I like it because that's how one finds out one of the things that can benefit you,” said Castillo, who showed interest in the Women and Infant Children (WIC) program.

Health Month seeks to improve the physical and mental health conditions of Latinos in Los Angeles County. Throughout October there are a number of free events such as health fairs, emotional well-being workshops, health services workshops, educational sessions and awareness events.

During the event, the Health Guide was also promoted, a valuable tool that the Health Window of the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles has created to inform the Hispanic community about free or low-cost health resources that exist within the county.

Consul General Marcela Celorio said that for more than 25 years the institute of Mexicans abroad has been dedicated to strengthening the bond in the communities through sporting and cultural events. However, over time they realized that something else was needed.

Roberto Alonso took advantage and decided to have a liver test. (Aurelia Ventura / The Opinion)

"We began to identify the needs of the community, and one of those needs was precisely health services," said Consul Celorio shortly after she got the flu vaccine herself, at the event.

"There is a lot of ignorance where we have to go to be taken care of," the chancellor acknowledged.

This caused a health window to be opened in each of the 50 consulates in the nation for 11 years.

"This allows people who come to do paperwork also have health information and references," Celorio said.

However, in an effort to serve local communities, the Ventanilla de Salud is open to the entire Latino community regardless of their nationality.

"Mexico is the leader in consular function because apart from the documentation services we offer health services," the diplomat added.

Consul Marcela Celorio also took advantage of the services offered at the Consulate of Mexico. (Aurelia Ventura / The Opinion)

Available services

Elena Aragón, director of the Ventanilla de Salud at the Mexican consulate in Los Angeles, said that basic health services are offered at the moment and without an appointment.

"Here we practice blood tests to detect cholesterol levels, sexually transmitted diseases, sugar, HIV," said Aragon. "We also have detection of fatty liver one day a week, ultrasound of the thyroid, pelvic and abdominal area from Monday to Wednesday and the first Monday of the month we have tests to detect anemia and varicose veins."

Aragón explained that if someone results in an abnormality, they are referred to a low-cost clinic, since many times people do not have the financial resources or immigration status for adequate medical coverage.

The director added that one of the most requested services lately is for mental health. This is offered through the mental health module that was opened two years ago.

With the Health Month, the 2019-2020 Health Guide was also launched. (Aurelia Ventura / The Opinion)

“People can come here and they can be given up to 10 free sessions with the organizations that we collaborate with specialized therapists and then they are referred to those organizations to continue their treatment if necessary,” Aragón explained.

Aragon invited people to approach the Health Window — regardless of nationality — to receive these services.

During October, the month of health, the consulate is also offering emotional wellness workshops with different topics. These take place on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

To learn more about the Health Window of the Mexican consulate in Los Angeles visit the consulate during business hours at 2401 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90057.

You can also visit their Facebook page for more details and updated events at: https://www.facebook.com/VDSLosAngeles/

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