As part of Hispanic Heritage American Month, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University hosted a powerful and thought-provoking event titled “Latino & Underserved Community Leadership in Public Service, Health Equity, and Access” on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at PHAB Hall, 450 Clarkson Avenue in Brooklyn.
This inspiring panel—presented by the Office of the President and the Office of Communications & Marketing—brought together influential Latino leaders whose work continues to shape equity, inclusion, and access to care for underserved communities across New York.
Among the distinguished panelists was Dr. José Diaz, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine and key faculty member of the STAR Program (Special Treatment and Research Program). Dr. Diaz’s participation reflected STAR’s deep commitment to advancing health equity, HIV prevention, and culturally responsive care throughout Central Brooklyn and beyond.
A Conversation on Leadership, Culture, and Health Justice
Moderated by Dr. Christina Guillén, Interim Chair and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, the discussion centered on how Latino professionals in public service and healthcare are addressing systemic inequities, improving access to prevention-based services, and building healthier, more resilient communities.
Panelists included:
- Dr. Marlene Camacho-Rivera, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs & Assistant Professor, Community Health Sciences
- Hon. Elizabeth de León Bhargava, Interim President, Guttman Community College
- Dr. José Diaz, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine & STAR Program
- Kevin Garcia, Senior Transportation Planner, NYC Environmental Justice Alliance
Dr. Diaz shared insights from his work at the STAR Program, highlighting how data-driven outreach, community partnerships, and culturally tailored education are critical in bridging care gaps for Latino and other marginalized populations. He emphasized that advancing health equity requires meeting people where they are—linguistically, culturally, and socially—and empowering them through education, access, and compassion.
STAR’s Commitment to Representation and Equity
The STAR Program has long been a champion of inclusive healthcare, serving over 2,000 patients annually across SUNY Downstate and Brookdale Health Centers. Through initiatives like GetMeOnPrEP.com, StopMentalHealthStigma.com, and THEOProgram.org, STAR continues to empower Brooklyn’s Black, Latine, LGBTQAI+, and immigrant communities with vital tools and information to live healthy, stigma-free lives.
Events like this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month panel reaffirm SUNY Downstate and STAR’s shared mission: to create a healthcare system rooted in diversity, respect, and equal access for all.
To view the full livestream of the event, visit:
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/7r4urcyt
