The opportunities that exist

The Alliance with its dynamic membership network of committed health and human service professionals is key to understanding what are the factors that contribute to the health outcomes for Hispanics and improving the health of the nation. This network gives the Alliance the greatest access of any organization to the diverse population of Hispanics in the country when it comes to health matters. The Alliance's members include the nation's major Hispanic community-based health service agencies, as well as numerous new agencies serving emerging Hispanic population centers. These are the trusted agencies that Hispanics turn to when they have a health issue.

Consequently grantmakers, government, and business naturally turn to the Alliance for new health programs and to reach Hispanic communities. The Alliance's critical role is only credible as long as the Alliance can exercise the right to say no to potential funders. For example, for decades the Alliance has refused funding from the tobacco industry, in order to speak with a clear and effective voice on health for the Hispanic community.

No other organization brings to the difficult work of Hispanic community health and advocacy, a credible thirty-year portfolio that is science driven and rich in its people and social capital. This wealth includes model community-based programs and services, a bi-partisan board that includes cabinet members from both Democrat and Republican administrations, and a membership that encompasses all health professions as well as Hispanic health consumers. The Alliance is the consistent and credible voice on Hispanic health issues and must continue to be an important part of mainstream health policy debate.