Be the Voice of Hispanic and Latino Health

As the newly appointed editor of Hispanic Health Care International (HHCI), my first editorial addresses the initiatives of the journal itself. HHCI is the official journal of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). The HHCI journal embraces contributions by health care professionals, researchers, and policy makers from all health disciplines who focus on the Hispanic and Latino population. HHCI strives to be at the forefront as a platform for the dissemination of information that substantially affects the Hispanic/Latino population. Furthermore, HHCI aims to apprise its readers of valuable clinical information, current policy matters, and important research findings that are pertinent to Hispanic/Latino health. Finally, readers can expect candid discussions of contemporary issues that affect the well-being of Hispanics and Latinos. I am often asked by my students to explain the difference between Hispanics and Latinos. In the literature, the terms Hispanic and Latino are often used interchangeably to describe people who were born in, or who have ancestry from, Latin America, Spain, and Brazil. By definition, the word Hispanic typically refers to individuals of Spanish-speaking origin or ancestry. In contrast, the word “Latino/a” is a more general term, which is often used to refer to individuals of Latin American origin or ancestry, including Brazilians. A review of the U.S. Census Bureau website (www.census.org) reveals that individuals of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, South American, or Central American origin or ancestry are typically considered Hispanic or Latino. In addition, individuals who are of Spanish culture are labeled as Hispanic. Of note is the fact that Hispanics or Latinos can be of any race or ethnicity. As a bilingual, bicultural U.S. nurse of Spanish-speaking ancestry from a Latin American country, I tell my students that even I am not entirely certain of the real, or perceived, differences between the terms. Moreover, based on the definitions I have read, I seem to be both Hispanic and Latina. Then there is the new term Latinx, which can perhaps be the topic of a future editorial. As for HHCI, it is a journal that is dedicated to a focus on all people who fall under the umbrella of Hispanic or Latino, whether of Spanish-speaking ancestry or not, whether living in the Latin country of origin, or whether first-, second-, third-, or 10th-generation immigrants. The journal is tasked with addressing the needs of a population that is bound by a unique culture of literature, art, music, poetry, dance, and other beautiful customs and practices. The success of HHCI depends on its loyal readers, talented authors, and volunteer reviewers and editorial board members. Peer reviewers are critical to the ability of HHCI to publish meaningful articles. Thoughtful reviewers help ensure that the information published in the journal is relevant, accurate, and balanced. Authors are called upon to share their up-to-date clinical practice expertise and cutting-edge research findings that readers of HHCI embrace. Editorial Board members help run the day-to-day operations of peer review and shape the future of the journal. All of these individuals, who willingly give of their time and talent, are key to the production of a high impact journal focused on enhancing Hispanic and Latino health. The HHCI journal is committed to publishing on timely topics addressing public health, policy, clinical practice, and research. The journal welcomes submissions of manuscripts on subjects that will be of interest to HHCI readers. Examples of such manuscript topics might include local, regional, national, or international health-related issues. The journal also welcomes commentaries, literature reviews, original research, and letters to the editor. In addition to disseminating information via print media, the HHCI journal will add podcasts and other forms of social media in 2019 to enhance its reach to people who can benefit from HHCI. The journal is also committed to mentoring new authors and reviewers. Together with the podcasts HHCI will offer informational webinars, as well as conference proceedings on the topics of writing for publication. These opportunities are in the planning stages and information will be made available through the journal and the NAHN electronic newsletter and annual conference. The HHCI journal wants to provide a variety of opportunities for interaction with its audience. The journal will also focus attention on creating novel venues to build the capacity of new authors and reviewers, as well as providing additional skills to those who are seasoned in these areas. As I begin this editorship, I wholeheartedly welcome your emails and messages with ideas, suggestions, questions, and critiques of the journal. I want to know what you like, what you do not, and what you would like to see in HHCI. As readers of HHCI and members of NAHN, you are the journal’s most important assets. Your input and advice will be what moves the HHCI journal to its next level. As you read this editorial, if you have not done so already, I invite you to go one step further and consider making a small commitment of your time and talent. Your contribution to HHCI as a reviewer, an author, or an editorial board member will greatly enhance the journal. You are the voice of the Hispanic Health Care International journal. I hope to hear from you!