WASHINGTON, April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Although recent polls show the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has decreased the percentage of uninsured Latinos, evidence still suggests that Hispanic outreach remains a problem. To help close this gap, the National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) announced today a $90,000 grant from the Anthem Foundation to add a health literacy component to their signature Empowerment and Civic Engagement Leadership Training program in Miami, Florida and Dallas, Texas.

The training is aimed at empowering grassroots and community leaders with culturally and linguistically appropriate tools and resources to be their own best advocates, including community education to help local residents navigate the health care system. The expansion of the ECET leadership program will train community leaders to provide members of the Spanish-speaking Hispanic community with a basic understanding and tools to navigate the U.S. healthcare system.

This important effort comes at a critical time as increased access to healthcare alone will not close the health disparity gap that persists among Hispanics and other racial and ethnic groups. Newly insured Latinos through the Affordable Care Act, as well the Hispanic healthcare beneficiaries still need help understanding the U.S. healthcare system and how to make best and proper use of their coverage.  This is especially important for beneficiaries who lack English proficiency and face multiple barriers accessing care despite having coverage.

“NHCOA is pleased to team with the Anthem Foundation to expand on these tools as we continue to build a network of NHCOA leaders who are helping their communities bridge the health attainment gap by grasping and understanding how to navigate the U.S. healthcare system, whether it’s practicing preventive care or knowing how to access medical care,” said Dr. Yanira Cruz, NHCOA President and CEO. “As we commemorate National Minority Health Month, we are committed to doing our part in taking action for health equity.”

“We know that navigating the health care system can be confusing for many, but when coupled with language barriers, there is greater opportunity for gaps in care to occur,” said Marc Russo, president of Medicare programs for Anthem, Inc. “We’re pleased to support the National Hispanic Council on Aging and their efforts to arm local leaders in our communities with training that will help empower members of our Spanish-speaking community with valuable information and resources to take control of their health care.”

Since 2010, NHCOA has trained more than 1,000 local community leaders who now form part of a network of NHCOA leaders extended across the country. For more information about the Empowerment and Civic Engagement Leadership Training program please visit: www.nhcoa.org.