The Hispanic Health Coalition works across Houston to build healthier communities by educating residents, providing health care resources and investing in the next generation of health care leaders. The coalition partners with clinics, community leaders and other nonprofit organizations to understand and address the real barriers facing the community.

Obesity is a critical health issue, particularly within the Hispanic community, where it drives serious complications such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Limited access to affordable, healthy food and safe spaces for exercise remain among the biggest barriers to prevention.

Obesity rates are higher among Hispanic adults than non-Hispanic White adults. In the United States, 44.8 percent of Hispanic adults meet the criteria for obesity.

^{National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.}

Cancer is one of the most serious health concerns facing the Hispanic community and is the leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in the U.S. Limited access to healthcare, lack of insurance, language barriers and low rates of preventive screenings often lead to later diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Improving access to care and screenings can help close this gap, leading to earlier detection and better survival rates.

Hispanic adults are less likely to receive recommended cancer screening tests, including colorectal and cervical cancer screenings, compared with some other populations. 

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Many Hispanic families experience barriers related to limited access to educational resources, which can make it harder for students to succeed in school and continue their education after high school. By improving educational opportunities and providing support for Hispanic students and families, communities can help reduce health disparities and improve long term health outcomes. 

Hispanic adults are less likely to earn a bachelor's degree. Among adults ages 25 and older, 21 percent of Hispanic adults have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.

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Hispanics and Latinos face significant barriers to health care access nationwide. Many work in jobs that don't offer health insurance, forcing families to choose between costly coverage and basic needs. Socioeconomic status, cost, employment type and legal status all contribute to lower health care coverage rates compared with the rest of the U.S. population.

Hispanic or Latino people had among the highest uninsured rate in the nation at 17.7%.

^{‍U.S. Census Bureau}