Hispanic Heritage Month Visibility Campaign: Tina Loarte-Rodriguez

September 15–October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, an opportunity for us to continue our Visibility Campaign series and revisit our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This month we will increase visibility of our Hispanic staff. Today's spotlight goes to Tina Loarte-Rodriguez, MSN, RN, CPPS, CPHRM, vice president of nursing and laboratory director.

Tina has been with Wheeler for two years. Prior to that, she taught middle school math and writing for four years in an urban setting. She began her nursing career in the Operation Room (OR), infection prevention, quality improvement, and risk management. Tina has an MSN in nursing leadership, RN license, and is certified in infection control (CIC), patient safety (CPPS), and health care risk management (CPHRM).

What steps should organizations such as Wheeler take to serve the Hispanic/Latino communities better? In order to serve the Latino community better, organizations must prioritize equity within its staff and its strategic plan and goals. They must commit to ensuring the board and executive leadership reflect the communities being served. Resources and development opportunities must be made available to Latinos for continued personal and organizational growth.

What are the most significant challenges that Hispanic and Latino communities are facing today?

• Employment. Latinos face harassment at work, wage theft, and sometimes the threat of deportation.
• Housing. Safe, affordable housing in environments with good schools, jobs, and healthcare.
• Education. Latinos make up the second largest group of students in schools, and they are the fastest growing population.
• Health. Latinos face barriers when it comes to accessing quality healthcare and are one of the populations hardest hit by COVID.
• Criminal Justice. Hispanics are disproportionately impacted by the abuses and biases in the existing criminal justice system, both as victims and as the accused.
• Voting Rights. Latinos are significantly underrepresented when it comes to holding elected offices and there are some people who would like to keep it that way.

Thank you, Tina, for sharing today!