Latinas stand with Georgians and fight for health care

Today, Jessica González-Rojas, executive director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, joined with other leaders in the Strong Families Movement in solidarity with SPARK Reproductive Justice’s 7th Annual Legislate THIS! event. The statewide day of action and lobby event brought together social justice groups, key public policy leaders and youth to engage with leading Georgia decision makers regarding policies that protect reproductive rights and expand healthcare access to women of color, young parents and LGBTQ youth of color living in Georgia. Georgia policymakers have so far refused to include eligible and qualified women and families in the newly expanded Medicaid insurance program, even though doing so is costing the state of Georgia money and hurting its residents.
In response, Jessica González-Rojas released the following statement:
“I’m honored to be a part of today’s event and stand with organizations like SPARK and the Strong Families Movement, who are doing incredible work on behalf of Latinas and all women in Georgia. Together we are making clear that the time is NOW for state politicians to tear down barriers to health care.
“Restrictive policies that place health coverage out of reach for many Georgians cast a dark cloud over these vibrant communities and keep them from getting the care they need. Georgia has a rapidly growing Latino population, that’s doubled over the past decade. Unfortunately, far too many Latinas and Latinos are still unable to access the health care they need, even with the advances made under the ACA.
“State policymakers’ refusal to participate in the newly expanded Medicaid insurance program is threatening the health, well-being, and success of the growing Latino population and ultimately Georgia’s economy.
“Medicaid expansion not only matters to Latinas and their families— it’s absolutely vital to the health of millions. Increasing access to preventive care, like life-saving cancer screenings, is the only way to keep women and their families, healthy.
“Strong advocacy from groups like SPARK and Strong Families is crucial to keeping Latinas in Georgia, and their families, healthy. With these groups at the helm, policymakers will have no choice but to listen to the demands of our community.”
###
The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health is the only national organization working on behalf of the reproductive health and justice of the 24 million Latinas, their families and communities in the United States through public education, community mobilization and policy advocacy.