Since the beginning of January, the UNR Latino Research Center (LRC) has been developing a public awareness campaign to combat unlicensed health care in Nevada, specifically in Nevada’s Latino community. The campaign, titled “NO a Los Médicos Clandestinos” will launch on April 9th with a press conference at 10:00 a.m. The press conference is open to the public and will be held at the office of the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy – 431 W. Plumb Lane, Reno, NV 89509.
“As your State Health Officer, educating Nevadans is one of my primary goals,” Dr. Tracey Green said. “Unlicensed health care is occurring in our State. You must beware, unlicensed health care can hurt you and your loved ones.”
The campaign will use educational brochures, posters and public service announcements on both TV and radio with the goal of raising awareness and discouraging community members from seeing unlicensed health care providers. The campaign will include information on where under or uninsured community members can find affordable health care options such as free clinics and organizations that offer medical services with sliding fee schedules for low-income patients. This information will be available online on both the LRC’s and the Nevada State Health Division’s websites. The campaign will also include a bilingual brochure, which outlines the dangerous consequences that may result in undergoing a medical procedure with an unlicensed physician as well as a guide that is meant to show people how they can find a certified and qualified physician.
“I was pleased to help secure funding for this important public policy issue in Nevada and will continue providing supportive efforts,” said Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto. “Educating the community on the dangers and threats of unlicensed activity is critical for public safety.”
After the hotline is revealed on April 9th, community members are encouraged to report unlicensed activity by calling the hotline. Callers may remain anonymous.
The Nevada State Health Division, the Attorney General’s Office and the LRC believe that awareness is the key to stopping illegal medical activity in Nevada and will continue to work together to distribute the educational materials all over the state.
Due to limited resources and funding, the LRC is only able to hold a press conference in northern Nevada; however, interviews can be given by phone or Skype after the press conference and throughout the rest of the week. Furthermore, everyone who receives this press release will also be sent an electronic copy of the campaign materials after the press conference. For more information about the public awareness campaign, please visit www.unr.edu/latinocenter<http:
