El Centro wins national health award

El Centro de Servicios Sociales Inc., 2800 Pearl Ave. in Lorain, was selected to receive the Helen Rodríguez-Trías Health Award, according to a news release.

This award, presented by UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Latino advocacy organization, recognizes nonprofits with exceptional leadership and a commitment to advancing health equity and improving the health and well-being of Latinos through the implementation of innovative strategies and practices within local communities, the release said.

The competitive award also confers a $5,000 prize.

“It is a humbling experience to receive the Helen Rodríguez-Trías Award, especially during UnidosUS’s 50th anniversary conference in Washington, D.C.,” said Victor Leandry, executive director of El Centro. “I’m blessed to have a team of staff that are dedicated, passionate and driven by El Centro’s mission.

“In addition to their dedication to El Centro’s mission, their personal strivings toward making our community a better place, makes their work even more meaningful. We do what we do at El Centro, not to be recognized: we do our work because it is the right thing to do and because of the need of the community.

“However, we accept this award with pride and on behalf of our partners in our health program: Mercy Health, Lorain County Board of Mental Health, Nord Family Foundation, Nordson Corporation Foundation and the Community Foundation of Lorain County. Many thanks to UnidosUS for the years of support and partnership in addition to this recognition.”

El Centro has served Lorain County with health programming since its founding in 1974, according to the release.

But the agency re-committed its focus to promoting community health initiatives during a strategic planning process in 2014.

Since that time, El Centro has started a Mental Health Navigator program with Lorain County Board of Mental Health, started a bilingual nutrition education program and became certified to offer Spanish-language diabetes and chronic illness management education, according to the release.

The agency also offers medical interpretation at Mercy Health locations and interprets for mental health agencies.

Earlier in the year, El Centro also received “Agency of the Year” by the National Association of Social Workers, Ohio Region II.

“This year’s recipient of the Helen Rodríguez-Trías Health Award is an organization that has been at the forefront of both empowering families and ensuring our community has an opportunity to live healthier lives,” said UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía. “Our affiliate, El Centro de Servicios Sociales Inc. is deserving because of their tireless efforts to deliver critical support to a community that often faces cultural barriers.

“Their counselors help people navigate the health system and serve as an advocate for them on their health needs. Their contributions make it possible for Lorain’s Latino families to see a welcoming and familiar face when they seek the care they need and deserve.”

The health award is named in honor of Dr. Helen Rodríguez-Trías, an internationally recognized health care leader and advocate who dedicated her life to improving women’s and children’s health and well-being and expanding the range of public health services not only throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, but also in El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico, according to the release.

Rodríguez-Trías was a pediatrician, educator and women’s rights activist.

She also was the first Latina president of the American Public Health Association, a founding member of the Women’s Caucus of the American Public Health Association and a recipient of the Presidential Citizen’s medal.