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PHOENIX (Oct. 31, 2022) – During a Dia de los Muertos celebration on Sunday, neurosurgeons from the Banner – University Medicine Neuroscience Institute performed free neurological exams, blood pressure screenings, and engaged with community members about misconceptions around neurological issues and how they disproportionately affect Hispanic people.
The Hispanic population, which is expected to almost double by 2050, is one of the largest subpopulations living with epilepsy and has suffered a significant increase in death rates due to stroke since 2013. In addition, Hispanics face health disparities due to less access to care and specialists.
“Banner Health is dedicated to improving the neurosurgical health of all patients,” said Dr. Peter Nakaji, physician executive of neurosurgery at Banner Health and physician executive director of the Banner – University Medicine Neuroscience Institute. “It's really important to remember that everything we're doing is about health care and people, and this is a very important community for us and for this state."
Banner Health also set up an altar, a tradition for those who celebrate Dia de los Muertos, to honor family members and loved ones who have passed away from neurological conditions. The altar featured photos of people who suffered from such conditions, as well as statistics and other information on neurological issues to further educate the community.
About Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix
Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix is a large teaching hospital that has provided medical care to Arizona and the Southwest since 1911. It is part of Banner – University Medicine, a premier academic medical network. The institution, which has trained thousands of doctors over decades as a teaching hospital, is the academic medical center for The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. The hospital, recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the nation’s best hospitals, specializes in heart care, cancer care, high-risk obstetrics, neurosciences, organ transplants, medical toxicology and emergency care, including a Level I trauma center. Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix is part of Banner Health, a nonprofit health care system with 30 hospitals in six states. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/universityphoenix.
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