THE NATIONAL COALITION OF HISPANIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS
(COSSMHO)
What is COSSMHO?
The National Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human Services Organizations-
COSSMHO- is a non-profit membership organization (501C3) dedicated to improving
the health and psycho-social well-being of the nation's Hispanic population.
Founded in 1974, COSSMHO pursues its mission by conducing national demonstation
programs, coordinating research, and serving as a source of information,
technical assistance, and policy analysis. COSSMHO is governed by a volunteer
board of directors and managed by its President and Chief Executive Officer.
Who does COSSMHO serve?
COSSMHO provides national leadership in identifying and responding to health
and human services needs of Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban American,
Central American, and Latin American populations. COSSMHO works primarily with
community-based organizations in targeting difficult and sometimes
controversial problems for national programs- problems such as juvenile
deliquency, child abuse and sexual abuse, adolescent pregnancy, diabetes,and
AIDS. COSSMHO pursues programs in research, health promotion and disease
prevention, and education and training of health care providers.
Is COSSMHO the only national Hispanic Health Organization?
Yes. Other organizations among their members local health providers, but no
other national group has public health as its primary mission.
What are COSSMHO's priorities?
For Hispanics, leading concerns include mental health, chronic diseases
(diabetes, AIDS ) health promotion and disease prevention, substance abuse,
maternal and child care, youth issues, juvenquency, and access to care. Our
programs reflect multiple strategies to address these problems - sponsoring
community-based programs and interventions; supporting university-based
researchers; identifying policy concerns; developing and adapting materials;
and developing Hispanic professionals and leaders.
Who makes up COSSMHO?
The membership includes organizations and individuals, and together they
number over 700. The organizations include community-based health, mental
health, substance abuse, and social services providers. The individuals include
practitioners and officials in the fields of public health, medicine, nursing,
social work, psychology, and youth services. Research programs and educational
institutions are also part of this network. Members and affiliated institutions
often serve as local sites for COSSMHO's many projects.
How is COSSMHO funded?
COSSMHO derives its support from federal grants and contracts, foundation
support, corporate support, and membership dues. COSSMHO does not accept funds
from alcohol or tobacco companies. In addition, COSSMHO provides consulting
services on a fee basis. Private donations (which are tax deductible) are
always welcome.
COSSMHO Mission Statement
Through the 1990's. COSSMHO's objectives are to:
- Identify critical research topics and initiate, coordinate, and publish
studies.
This will be accomplished through the continued expansion of the
Hispanic Health Research Consortium, established in 1986 by COSSMHO. The most
recent development in this area was the production of a supplement to the
December 1990 issue of the American Journal on Public Health on the Hispanic
and Nutrition Examination Survey.
- Develop preventive interventions.
National programs in adolescent pregnancy prevention, child abuse and
sexual abuse prevention, AIDS education, and reduction of risk for diabetes
are already underway. Planned programs will target cancer, cardiovascular
disease, and infant mortality.
- Improve the delivery of health and human services.
Training in the cross-cultural delivery of health is the focus of a
current program. Annual and biennial conferences offer training sessions for
providers serving Hispanic populations.
For more information:
COSSMHO
1030 15th street, N. W. Suite 1053
Washington, D.C. 20005