Illinois Unidos

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Únete a nosotros virtualmente a la Cumbre de COVID Prolongado el jueves 12 de septiembre de 2024, de 8 AM a 3 PM. Aprende sobre las investigaciones más recientes, estrategias de tratamiento y servicios de apoyo para los afectados por COVID Prolongado.

¡Inscríbete ahora:https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cw2QwRH67Iytoay

Join us virtually for the Long COVID Summit on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, from 8 AM to 3 PM. Learn about the latest research, treatment strategies, and support services for those impacted by Long COVID. Make a difference in the fight for health equity.

Register now: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eJyQUt6x7qysL1I

(English Below)

🛑 Mantente Vigilante: COVID-19 Sigue Siendo una Amenaza 🦠

COVID-19 ha afectado a nuestras comunidades, y los síntomas pueden parecerse a las alergias. Uno de nuestros compañeros compartió cómo su familia, a pesar de estar vacunada, fue impactada por el virus. Un ser querido mayor, sobreviviente de dos cánceres, vio su salud comprometida después de dos episodios de COVID-19.

Como defensores de la equidad en salud, alentamos a todos a protegerse y proteger a los demás. 💉💪

**Recomendaciones:**
- Vacúnate: La vacuna actualizada estará disponible en octubre. 🗓️
- Hazte la prueba: Si te sientes mal, incluso si crees que son alergias, hazte una prueba de COVID-19. 🤒🧪
- Protege a los vulnerables: Nuestros mayores e inmunodeprimidos están en mayor riesgo. ❤️👵

Cuidémonos mutuamente para mantenernos seguros. 🤝🌍



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🛑 Stay Vigilant: COVID-19 Is Still a Threat🦠

COVID-19 has impacted our communities, and symptoms can mimic allergies. A team member shared how, despite being vaccinated, their family was affected. An elderly loved one, a two-time cancer survivor, had their health compromised after two bouts with COVID-19.

As health equity advocates, we urge everyone to protect themselves and others. 💉💪

**Recommendations:**
- Get vaccinated: The updated vaccine will be available in October. 🗓️
- Get tested: If you feel unwell, even if it seems like allergies, get a COVID-19 test. 🤒🧪
- Protect the vulnerable: Our elderly and immunocompromised are at higher risk. ❤️👵

Let’s care for each other and stay safe. 🤝🌍

Colegas, El virus COVID-19 nos ha afectado y al principio pensé que se trataba de alergias. Afortunadamente, nuestra familia está totalmente vacunada, pero los pulmones de mi madre se han visto comprometidos tras dos brotes del virus. Como superviviente de dos cánceres, estoy muy preocupada y trabajaré para conseguir Paxlovid, un medicamento terapéutico para personas de alto riesgo si/cuando la prueba de Covid sale positivo.

Como defensora de la equidad de salud, sé que somos afortunados por tener acceso a la atención medica. Utilicemos este privilegio para protegernos a nosotros mismos y a los demás.

Amigos y familiares, por favor, manteneos a salvo. COVID-19 sigue siendo una amenaza. Les recomiendo encarecidamente que se pongan la vacuna actualizada cuando esté disponible a principios de Octubre y que se hagan las pruebas si no se encuentran bien. Aunque creas que es solo alergia, es mejor prevenir. Recuerda que nuestros seres queridos, especialmente los ancianos y las personas inmunodeprimidas, corren un riesgo mayor.

Cuidémonos los unos a los otros.

Colleagues and friends;

COVID-19 hit our home, and I initially thought it was just allergies. Thankfully, our family is fully vaccinated, but my mom's lungs have been compromised after two bouts of the virus. As a two-time cancer survivor, I'm extra concerned and will be working to secure Paxlovid, a therapeutic medication for high-risk individuals. if she tests positive!

As a health equity advocate, I know we're fortunate to have access to healthcare. Let's use this privilege to protect ourselves and others.

Friends and family, please stay safe. COVID-19 is still a threat. I strongly encourage you to get the updated vaccine when it becomes available in early October and get tested if you feel unwell. Even if you think it's just allergies, it's better to be safe. Remember, our loved ones, especially the elderly and immunocompromised, are at higher risk.

Let's take care of each other.

(Español abajo)

Mark your calendars! 🗓️ Join us virtually for the Long COVID Summit on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Learn about the latest research, treatment strategies, and support services available. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the change!

LEARN MORE: https://vcha.uic.edu/units/office-of-population-health-sciences-ophs/long-covid-summit-2024/

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¡Marquen sus calendarios! 🗓️ Únanse a nosotros virtualmente para una conferencia sobre el COVID Prolongado el jueves, 12 de septiembre de 2024, de 8:00 AM a 3:00 PM. Conozcan las últimas investigaciones, estrategias de tratamiento y servicios de apoyo disponibles. ¡No pierdan esta oportunidad de ser parte del cambio!

Join us!!

Founded in 2002, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation (ILLCF), is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to foster the next generation of Latino leadership in Illinois while advocating for the needs and wants of the community. Since its founding, the ILLCF has served as a public policy arm of its board that informs and promotes equitable public policy that targets and promotes thriving Latino communities. The ILLCF is excited to unveil its new raíces “pillars” and invites you to be a part of their participatory conference. YOUR VOICE will be key driver of meaningful discussions in areas affecting the Latino community across Illinois- Join us!

Date: Thursday, September 19th 2024
Location: Rosemont Convention Center (5555 N. River Rd. Rosemont, IL 60018

Register: https://whova.com/portal/registration/raice_202409/

Are you going to join us!?

We had an amazing time at the Back to School Fair with State Representative Will Guzzardi this past Saturday! 🎒 It was great connecting with our community, sharing COVID-19 and Long COVID info, and meeting so many of you. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth—we’re excited to keep working together to keep our community safe and informed! 💙

We're less than a month away! Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect and learn!

ILLCF’s 2024 Raíces Public Policy Conference will be on Thursday, September 19th at Rosemont Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. The conference is FREE to attend and features a variety of sessions for attendees to learn and influence public policy initiatives focused on improving the lives of the Latino community.

We are excited to bring back our research partner, UIC Great Cities Institute, to help us facilitate our sessions and engage with all of you as we explore the ILLCF's new raíces and the path ahead. Attendees will engage with one another through deep discussions that will shape policy and influence the lives of Latinos across Illinois.

Stay tuned for more announcements on guest speakers & more!

Space is limited and Registration is required!

Register Now: https://whova.com/portal/registration/raice_202409/

IMPORTANTE!

🌟 We recently had the pleasure of tabling at Alderman Felix Cardona, Jr.'s Children's Health and Resource Fair! 🎉 We provided families with bilingual health fliers and booklets on important topics like Long COVID-19, RSV, and more! 📚🩺 Thank you for having us! 🙏

!!! Don't miss out on this important event hosted by Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights !!!

Terminology matters.

Inconsistent disease terminology confounds clinicians, limits generalizability of research, & inhibits patients from obtaining the recognition, care, & support they need.

NASEM report https://bit.ly/2024NASEMLCDEF
longhauler-advocacy.org

📢 Exciting News! Illinois Unidos' Executive Director attended the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance's 2024 Illinois Legislative Community Report Forum with Rep. Lilian Jimenez, Rep. Will Guzzardi, Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, and Senator Omar Aquino.

The forum highlighted key legislative efforts to ensure healthcare access, housing, and quality education. Special thanks to these legislators for their work on Medicaid expansion, medical debt relief, and extending the Medicaid redetermination deadline for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and Seniors (HBIS).

We deeply appreciate Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, Rep. Lilian Jimenez, and all involved in supporting our state's immigrants. Illinois Unidos believes healthcare is a human right.

As COVID cases are increasing this summer, continue to practice safety measures to keep you and your loved ones healthy...and enjoy the fun summer waves 🌊

Grateful for the thoughtful and engaging City of Chicago 2025 Budget Engagement Community event! It was wonderful to bump into founding Original Illinois Unidos Steering Committee member, Mariana Osoria, now First Deputy of Human Services for the City of Chicago. It was also great connecting with nonprofit community leaders Brenda Solorzano from Family Focus and Rosario Hernandez from the Latino Policy Forum at this important event advocating for the needs of all Chicago residents.

Agradecida por el evento comunitario de participación en el presupuesto 2025 de la ciudad de Chicago. Fue maravilloso encontrarme con Mariana Osoria, miembra fundador del Comité Directivo de Illinois Unidos, ahora Primera Diputada de Servicios Humanos de la Ciudad de Chicago. También fue genial conectar con los líderes de la comunidad sin fines de lucro Brenda Solorzano de Family Focus y Rosario Hernández del Latino Policy Forum en este importante evento que promueve las necesidades de todos los residentes de Chicago.

"Long COVID can affect people across the lifespan from children to older adults and across race and ethnicity and baseline health status. 🚨 Importantly, more than 90% of people with long COVID had mild COVID-19 infections."

As time goes on, it is important for us to remember that COVID-19 is still a threat that could affect any of us.

Check out this article to learn more about recent Long COVID findings:

Long COVID puzzle pieces are falling into place – the picture is unsettling A new study finds the risks of developing long COVID declined over the first two years of the pandemic. But unvaccinated adults were more than twice as likely to get long COVID compared with those who were vaccinated.

We are pleased to announce that the Medicaid redetermination deadline has been extended until August 15th, thanks to the swift action of the state.

However, our work is far from over. Many beneficiaries of the Health Care Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and Health Care Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) programs continue to face significant challenges in navigating the redetermination process.

In our recent petition letter to Deputy Governor Grace Hou and Director Lizzy Whitehorn, we highlighted these challenges and shared powerful testimonials from our community members. Here are a few key points:

🔹 "We appreciate and applaud every opportunity to increase the support provided to clients navigating this challenging process.” – Kara Murphy, President, Dupage Health Coalition

🔹 “Extending the due date is essential; it will provide more flexibility for health departments and community organizations to assist individuals.” – Simbo Ige MD, MS, MPH, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health

🔹 Read the Full Petition Letter -http://illinoisunidos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Redetermination-deadline-expansion-Sign-on-Letter-07.18.2024.docx.pdf

We urge you to support our cause by:

🔹 Signing the petition - https://form.jotform.com/241964301119149

🔹 Sharing this post with your network

🔹 Participating in our upcoming redetermination application and appeal events

Together, we can ensure that no one loses their vital health coverage during this critical time.

For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Let’s stand united for the health and well-being of our immigrant communities.

It's not just the President of the United States who has contracted COVID-19 this summer. While we all wish the pandemic was behind us, the reality is that the virus is still a threat. At Illinois Unidos, we urge everyone to stay protected. If you haven't received the latest vaccine, now is the time. Additionally, regular testing remains crucial. Stay safe and informed—visit this website for more information.
https://www.vaccines.gov/

No sólo el Presidente de los Estados Unidos ha contraído el COVID-19 este verano. Aunque todos deseamos que la pandemia haya quedado atrás, la realidad es que el virus sigue siendo una amenaza. En Illinois Unidos, animamos a todo el mundo a mantenerse protegido. Si no has recibido la última vacuna, ahora es el momento. Además, las pruebas de Covid siguen siendo cruciales. Manténgase seguro e informado - visite este sitio web para obtener más información.
No sólo el Presidente de los Estados Unidos ha contraído el COVID-19 este verano. Aunque todos deseamos que la pandemia haya quedado atrás, la realidad es que el virus sigue siendo una amenaza. En Illinois Unidos, animamos a todo el mundo a mantenerse protegido. Si no has recibido la última vacuna, ahora es el momento. Además, las pruebas de Covid siguen siendo cruciales. Manténgase seguro e informado - visite este sitio web para obtener más información.

No sólo el Presidente de los Estados Unidos ha contraído el COVID-19 este verano. Aunque todos deseamos que la pandemia haya quedado atrás, la realidad es que el virus sigue siendo una amenaza. En Illinois Unidos, animamos a todo el mundo a mantenerse protegido. Si no has recibido la última vacuna, ahora es el momento. Además, las pruebas de Covid siguen siendo cruciales. Manténgase seguro e informado - visite este sitio web para obtener más información.

https://www.vacunas.gov/?_gl=1*1n3yoip*_ga*MTgzNzg5Mjc4LjE3MjEyNzMzODU.*_ga_SRP26B50XR*MTcyMTI3MzM4NS4xLjEuMTcyMTI3MzQzMC4wLjAuMA..

How Accurate Is a Patient’s Home Rapid Test Result? Study indicates self-collected rapid tests show similar sensitivity, specificity to those performed by clinicians.

📢 **Dear Illinois Unidos Community,**

We need your support! Sign our letter requesting an urgent extension of the Medicaid Redetermination deadline for beneficiaries of the Health Care Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and Health Care Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) programs. This is vital to ensure vulnerable populations, especially immigrants, have time to complete their applications and maintain healthcare coverage.

**Why This Matters:**

📝 Many face challenges navigating the Redetermination process.
💔 Without coverage, health conditions can worsen, increasing burdens on families and the healthcare system.
⏳ Extending the deadline gives more time to those juggling multiple jobs or caregiving duties.

Join us in protecting our community's health. Read the full letter and sign the petition to extend the Medicaid Redetermination deadline. ✍️

1. Full Letter Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-tFblGoyDuf-I2f93inCIhleOiVuFlnGu1VBfdYs0So/edit
2. Jotform Link: https://form.jotform.com/241964301119149

Support the Extension of the Medicaid Redetermination Deadline Please click the link to complete this form.

Thanks go out to State Representative Edgar Gonzalez Jr. for doing his part to make sure our community members submit their Redetermination applications on time! !

📅 On June 29th, Illinois Unidos proudly participated in the ASI Rising to Create Healthier Communities conference! 🎉

We shared vital COVID-19 info with attendees and celebrated our Executive Director, Alejandra Ibañez, presenting an achievement award to Dr. Aida Giachello. 🙌 Dr. Giachello, a key figure in Illinois Unidos, has been pivotal in ASI’s successful HRSA vaccination project, helping vaccinate 3,346 individuals during the pandemic. 💉🏆

Her tireless dedication to community health and the Latino community is truly inspiring. 🌟

Congratulations, Dr. Giachello, and thank you for your unwavering commitment! ❤️

Nonprofit friends! Our organization, Illinois Unidos, needs a business credit card. Unfortunately, our current bank, a phenomenal credit union, doesn't offer business credit cards. Do any of you have recommendations for local banks that provide business credit cards to non-clients? Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Gracias!

Welcome to the June 24, 2024, Weather Report from the People’s CDC! As always, please be sure to check out the full written report -
https://peoplescdc.org/2024/06/24/peoples-cdc-covid-19-weather-report-77/

Subscribe here for our newsletter: https://peoplescdc.substack.com/p/peoples-cdc-june-24-2024-covid-19

The written report includes even more information, clickable links to sources, and translation to Spanish. This week, we discuss the FDA COVID vaccine variant recommendation update and ongoing action needed to stop stop mask bans everywhere.

A approach to care is necessary due to the heterogeneity of LC. Clinicians should form collaborative teams of relevant experts to address the multi-organ impact of LC.

NASEM report https://bit.ly/2024NASEMLCDEF
longhauler-advocacy.org

Illinois Unidos has officially become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and we need your support! 🌟 Your donations will help us continue our mission of empowering and uplifting our community.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Together, we can achieve more. 💪❤️

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/illinois-unidos-general

Please consider donating today and be a part of our journey! 🙏

United for Illinois: My Donation, Our Impact Your contribution, no matter the size, will directly impact the lives of individuals and families within the Latinx community. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient future.

(Español abajo)

🎉 We are beyond thrilled to announce that IL Unidos has received its 501(c)(3) status! This milestone marks a significant step in our journey toward becoming an independent organization while continuing to align closely with ASI as our fiscal agent during this transition.

Since 2020, IL Unidos has been the largest statewide Latinx coalition, impacting 500,000 individuals through health worker networks, bilingual COVID-19 information, policy advocacy, and resource promotion. 🌍💪

Thank you to our coalition members and partners. Together, we will continue to drive meaningful change and promote health equity for all. 🙏❤️



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🎉 ¡Estamos emocionados de anunciar que IL Unidos ha recibido su estatus de organización sin fines de lucro! Este logro marca un paso importante en nuestro camino hacia convertirnos en una organización independiente, mientras seguimos colaborando estrechamente con ASI como nuestro agente fiscal durante esta transición.

Desde 2020, IL Unidos ha sido la coalición estatal más grande de Latinx, impactando a 500,000 personas a través de redes de trabajadores de salud, información bilingüe sobre COVID-19, defensa de políticas y promoción de recursos. 🌍💪

Gracias a nuestros miembros de la coalición y socios. Juntos, continuaremos impulsando cambios significativos y promoviendo la equidad en la salud para todos. 🙏❤️