What does “Sana, Sana Colita de Rana” mean for the Latino community?
For the last 5 years the Office of Diversity and Equity’s Latino Collaborative has put together the Annual Latino Health Forum, “Sana, Sana Colita de Rana” to provide an opportunity for Latino families to come together to learn strategies for emotional and physical well-being.
But what does the phrase “Sana, Sana Colita de Rana” mean?
When translated literally it means “heal, heal, little frog’s tail.” This expression is commonly used in many Latino communities to offer consolation when one, specifically a child, has fallen or gotten hurt. The phrase continues with “if you don’t heal today, you will heal tomorrow.” At its core this message is meant to offer relentless encouragement, that while we may be suffering today, things will get better tomorrow.
On Saturday, November 4th the Latino Collaborative provided this message for community members of East Palo Alto at it’s 5th Annual Latino Health Forum. Focusing on the topics of immigration, suicide prevention and stories of hope from local community members, event attendees received a message of hope and resiliency. Keynote speaker and East Palo Alto resident, Sarahi Espinoza Salamanca, shared her story of overcoming barriers as an undocumented student and reaching success. Sarahi is the Founder and CEO of DREAMer’s Roadmap, an application that assists undocumented students to fund their education.
A “Dia de los Muertos” altar was also featured at the event to allow attendees to share dedications and messages to loved ones who have passed on. A gesture that just a few years ago was not regarded as an important practice to include in BHRS services and events, recalled founding Latino Collaborative Co-Chair Eleanor Valdes Dwyer. This simple change is a testament to the progressive work of the Office of Diversity & Equity and Health Equity Initiatives over the last decade to bring culturally appropriate care to all.
Thank you to all those who made this event possible, we can’t wait to do it all over again in 2018!
For more information please contact Latino Collaborative Co-chair Frances Lobos at flobos@smcgov.org or visit the Latino Collaborative’s website here.
To learn more about the Office of Diversity and Equity visit their website at www.smchealth.org/bhrs/ode.
Written by Frances Lobos, Office of Diversity and Equity Parent Project Coordinator and Latino Collaborative Co-Chair
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