TITLE: Recognizing La Conversacion Valiosa for its service to Hidalgo County.

SUMMARY: Recognizing La Conversacion Valiosa for its service to Hidalgo County.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize La Conversacion Valiosa in Hidalgo County and to join all associated with the organization in designating April 16 through 22, 2017, as National Health Care Decision Week; and WHEREAS, Many advances have been made regarding quality end-of-life care in the United States, yet there continues to be a lack of resources and services available for chronically and terminally ill minority patients; although rates of serious illness are higher among racial minorities, quality advanced-care planning services for Hispanic Americans are extremely limited; and WHEREAS, A 2014 publication by the Institute of Medicine called for significant reforms in end-of-life care and emphasized the need for more opportunities for individuals to participate in health care decisions relating to the last years of their life; and WHEREAS, The Mexican American population in Texas is the second largest in the nation, and more than 90 percent of Hidalgo County residents are Hispanic; accessibility to culturally sensitive, high-quality care is vital when making end-of-life decisions, and La Conversacion Valiosa is helping Hidalgo County residents make informed personal care choices and determine advance directives that are consistent with their individual values and preferences; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend all associated with La Conversacion Valiosa for their work educating and empowering the residents of Hidalgo County and extend to them best wishes for a memorable National Health Care Decision Week; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for them as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Hinojosa President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 10, 2017.