How South LA equates health to human rights
Veronica Villafañe | Managing Editor | 12-9-2011 |
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Over 100 people attended a forum addressing health and human rights inequities in South Los Angeles, at the Mercado La Paloma. The event was held on Thursday morning to coincide with the celebration of the International Human Rights Day. Among the organizers: St. John’s Well Child and Family Center, Esperanza Community Housing, Strategic Alliance for a Just Economy (SAJE) and SEIU-UHW.
The forum is part of an on-going effort by the South LA Health and Human Rights Coalition to bring awareness to the impact socio-economic factors have on health issues.
“We have the right to dignity and safety,” said Nomsa Khalfani, St. John’s Chief of Policy and Support Services, referring to problems with slum housing and dangers of environmental pollutants in low-income neighborhoods.
Many residents, some speaking in Spanish with English translators, addressed the audience to share their concerns and ask for help.The theme of the morning: a call to action – organizing the community to bring greater economic, social and health resources, opportunities and equality to South LA. Among the requests: that people sign the Declaration of Health and Human Rights.
Healthcare worker Martha Alvarez was at the forum and shares her perspective on the day’s event and the notion that health is a human right.
Read her blog here.
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