Binational Health Week (BHW) is one of the largest mobilization efforts of federal and state government agencies, community-based organizations, and volunteers in the Americas to improve the health and well-being of the underserved Latino population living in the United States and Canada. It encompasses an annual weeklong series of health promotion and health education activities that include workshops, insurance referrals, and medical screenings. 

BHW fosters community solidarity through the extensive mobilization of existing resources and the organization of volunteers working together for a common goal.  The events are coordinated by networks forged among agencies and community organizations with the purpose of reaching out the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people, especially those without medical coverage. 

BHW main partners include the Secretariats of Health and Foreign Affairs of Mexico, and the Foreign Affairs Ministries of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, as well as the Institute for Mexicans Abroad, the Mexican Social Security Institute, California’s Department of Public Health, The California Endowment, California HealthCare Foundation, US-Mexico Border Health Commission, Consejo de Federaciones Mexicanas de Norte América (COFEM), and the Health Initiative of the Americas, a program of the School of Public Health at the University of California at Berkeley.

Binational Health Week 2009

This year, the Ninth BHW will take place October 3-15, 2009 in 40 states in the U.S. and 3 provinces in Canada, with the participation of the consular networks in the United States of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.  Additionally, during BHW four national campaigns will be implemented to promote awareness among the underserved Latino community: Prevention of Addictions, Nutrition, Prevention of Strokes, and Living Green.  The inaugural event and Policy Forum on Migration and Health will be held on October 5-6 in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico.  The closing event will take place on October 9th in Anitgua, Guatemala.

Results from Binational Health Week 2008

Last year BHW activities took place from October 6-15, 2008 and witnessed the largest participation since its inception in 2001.  An estimated 5,885 activities were held benefiting 549,361 people, involving the participation of 10,377 agencies and 22,905 volunteers led by 114 consulates working together with 140 planning committees. In addition, millions of people received education on health issues through the media.  Also, four national campaigns were implemented with the aim of increasing the Latino population’s awareness of Autism, Obesity and Diabetes, HIV/AIDS and Emergency Preparedness. The inauguration and the Policy Forum on Migration and Health took place on October 6-8 in the Mexican city of Zacatecas. The closing ceremony on October 14th was held in New York City.