More than 170 participants tuned in to an online information
session May 19 on life during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the
coronavirus on the area’s Spanish-speaking population.
The session, hosted on a Zoom videoconference by diocesan
Catholic Charities, was designed to offer practical advice to Spanish speakers on
preventing and dealing with the virus, and provide a forum for those with
questions. Experts offered medical information; guidance on mental, emotional,
and spiritual health; and legal information for immigrants.
“The Hispanic community has been particularly hard-hit by this
virus,” said Catholic Charities President and CEO Art Bennett. “The fact that
so many participated demonstrates there is great need. And many registrants
also represented their spouses, mothers, fathers, grandparents or children. We
want community members to know we are with you through this pandemic, whatever
your need may be.”
Recent data from the Virginia Department of Health shows that,
while the Latino/Hispanic community makes up 9.6 percent of the state’s
population, it accounts for 45.9 percent of COVID-19 cases.
Nurse practitioner Ivette Valenzuela-Yu, an assistant professor
in the School of Nursing at George Mason University in Fairfax and a volunteer
at Catholic Charities’ Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic in Manassas, spoke
about how to identify the symptoms of COVID-19, as well as testing, treatment
and prevention.
“Many in our community are working on the front lines, in grocery
stores, restaurants, and the cleaning and construction industry,” she said.
“That means using personal protective equipment and social distancing. Frequent
hand-washing and avoiding touching the face are key protective measures we’re
encouraging.”
Catholic Charities mental health clinician Cristina Melendez
provided mental and emotional health tips and Father Juan A. Puigbó, parochial
vicar of All Saints Church in Manassas with special care of St. Gabriel Mission
in Manassas Park, discussed ways to maintain spiritual health and wellness
during this trying time. Stacy Jones, program director of Catholic Charities’
Hogar Immigrant Legal Services, responded to common legal questions immigrants
have been asking during the pandemic.
Find out more
For more on the webinar and information on future sessions, go to http://www.ccda.net/covid-19webinar/.