A Message from the White House.
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
June 2, 2009
NATIONAL CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2009
- - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Caribbean Americans have made lasting contributions to our Nation's culture and history, and the month of June has been set aside to honor their cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and social diversity. Generations of immigrants have preserved the traditions of their homelands, and these traditions have defined our Nation's identity. Caribbean Americans bring a unique and vibrant culture. This multilingual and multiethnic tradition has strengthened our social fabric and enriched the diversity of our Nation. Millions of individuals in the United States have Caribbean roots. Unfortunately some Caribbean Americans were forced to our country as slaves; others arrived of their own volition. All have sought the promise of a brighter tomorrow for themselves and their children. In their pursuit of success, Caribbean Americans exhibit the traits all Americans prize: determination, a devotion to community, and patriotism. They have made their mark in every facet of our society, from art to athletics and science to service. Caribbean Americans have also safeguarded our Nation in the United States Armed Forces. This month we also recognize the critical relationship the United States maintains with Caribbean nations. In a world of increasing communication and connectivity, this friendship has become even more important. We are neighbors, partners, and friends; we share the same aspirations for our children; and we strive for the very same freedoms. Together, we can meet the common challenges we face. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I urge all Americans to commemorate this month by learning more about the history and culture of Caribbean Americans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. BARACK OBAMA # # #

Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
HIV/AIDS has devastated the Caribbean, which ranks second only to sub-Saharan Africa for AIDS prevalence. In 2006, the United Nations estimated that 19,000 Caribbeans died of AIDS, and that an additional 250,000 were living with the virus. In 2005, there were a reported 38,133 new HIV diagnoses among Caribbean Americans in the U.S.

4th NATIONAL CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATIONS PLANS UNDERWAY.
This June 2009, marks the fourth national celebrations of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month and the first with a Democratic President. ICS and its affiliates and partners around the country have succeeded in setting a pace for the past three years commemorating National Celebrations of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month that sets the bar for this year’s celebrations.

CONGRESSIONAL CARIBBEAN CAUCUS BRIEFING SETS AGENDA FOR CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH.
On Wednesday, March 24th the Office of Congressman Donald Payne hosted a Briefing and a Breakfast targeting the Caribbean Diplomatic Corps and key leaders in the policy community. Speaking at the event Assistant Secretary General of CARICOM, Hon. Eddie Green called for greater attention to follow up of the agreements made in previous summits. Priorities highlighted include: Security; Offshore Financial Services; Climate Change; and Economic Development. A follow-up meeting is planned for June.

Magazine published by the Pan American Health Organization.
In public health—as with any investment—where you put your money counts. The Disease Control Priorities Project has identified cost-effective interventions to prevent and control the diseases and conditions that have the greatest impact on health in the developing world.

Launching of the United Nations Study on Violence Against Children Washington, D.C., 6 March 2007.
The former Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Dr. Kofi Annan, presented the Study on Violence against Children, in October 2006 to the UN Assembly. His presentation will be held on 6 March 2007 at 09:00 a.m. at PAHO Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The Study was a global effort co-sponsored by UN Office on Human Rights, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). It does not only gather reliable and significant information on the issue, but also makes specific recommendations for action to governments and to civil society. It is worth to know that close to 1,800 girls and boys from around the globe participated in this study. I would like to invite you to a presentation by Professor Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, independent expert and main author and coordinator at global scale of this study..

The Mental Health of Black Caribbean Immigrants: Results from the National Survey of American Life.
Examining the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among Black Caribbean immigrant ("Caribbean Black") and African American populations and the correlates of psychiatric disorders among the Caribbean Black population.January 2007, Vol 97, No. 1. American Journal of Public Health 52-59.

Data for Action: Unite to Stop the Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Epidemic in the Caribbean Region.
In response to alarming news that the Caribbean faces the worst epidemic of chronic, non-communicable diseases (CNCD) (heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease) in the Americas, causing much preventable loss of life, lost productivity and spiraling health care costs, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government held a Regional Summit on CNCD on September 15, 2007 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. A poster presenting data for action was presented.

Regional Public Health Surveillance in support of Cricket World Cup 2007.
A CAREC Surveillance Report, detailing surveillance and other relevant information to effectively understand and implement health promotion and disease prevention measures in member countries.

Telehealth in the Americas.
The Book on Telehealth in the Americas is the outcome of efforts made by the Working Group on Basic and Universal Telecommunication Services of CITEL, following the example of previous books: Universal Service in the Americas and Tele-education in the Americas.

Understanding The New eHealth Model.
While most healthcare providers have experimented with ‘eHealth’ they have been slow to build the core IT services and instigate the change management programs that have to be in place before online healthcare services can be fully deployed. An example here is the UK NHS's attempt to co-opt a disruptive ehealth model as part of its National Program For IT (NPfIT).

What is eHealth?
Different opinions on this meaning exists; for regions ofthe Caribbean and Latin America here is one to reflect on:eHealth is an emerging field in the intersection of medical informatics, public health and business, referring to health services and information delivered or enhanced through the Internet and related technologies.