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Hispanic Heritage Month is observed Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, and it’s a time for those outside of the Hispanic community to focus on the needs and contributions of our Hispanic neighbors, colleagues, and friends. Max Luna, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, is passionate about increasing awareness and has dedicated much of his career to supporting Hispanic health and well-being.

Dr. Luna serves on the Virginia Latino Advisory Board and stands behind Gov. Ralph Northam’s proclamation in support of Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month. Dr. Luna also participated in community Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations and promoted Hispanic perspectives at community health events.

Hispanic Heritage Month may be just one month out of the year, but the UVA Latino Health Initiative (LHI) serves the needs of Hispanics year-round. Luna created LHI four years ago, and when the pandemic started, LHI capitalized from the trust build in the local Hispanic community to spread awareness about COVID-19 vaccine safety and accessibility. During the pandemic, COVID-19 cases were higher in the Hispanic population than in any other racial group.

Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Luna in that effort, 88% of Latinx individuals have completed one vaccine dose, and 78% are fully vaccinated. These figures are 10-20% above non-Hispanic whites and other subgroups in the Blue Ridge Health District. The most up-to-date figures are available on the Blue Ridge Health District’s COVID-19 Data Portal.

“The impact of this high rate of vaccination has been noted by the flat rate of COVID-19 admissions of Latinx patients at UVA during this last surge, while other subgroups showed significant increase in admissions,” says. Dr. Luna.

Dr. Luna does note, however, that even though Latinos are highly protected from severe infections or death from COVID after vaccination, “they continue to struggle with the lowest wealth, alienation from safety nets, and highest uninsured rates.”

Hispanics make up around 6% of the population in Charlottesville and five surrounding counties, and the population is expected to grow.

“The expected significant increase in Latinx patients and neighbors over the next decade should make us aware that our health system and community should invest in cultural awareness, competency, and humility while expanding our Latinx workforce,” says Dr. Luna. “Among many inspirations I enjoy while working with LHI are the dozens of medical students that have devoted their valuable time to serve in our programs. I am sure that all of them will develop into physicians that will serve and protect vulnerable communities wherever their future takes them. Additionally, I am grateful that UVA Health has been committed to serve our Latinx community during and after COVID-19 the way they have.”

Dr. Luna has received numerous recognitions for his work in the Hispanic community, including the Civic Engagement Award by the Virginia Latino Advisory Board in 2020. UVA Health also awarded Luna the Martin Luther King, Jr. Health System Award in 2018.

“The awards I have received are a product of work done by many, many people supporting our community, the UVA Latino Health Initiative, and me,” he says.

For more information about Hispanic Heritage Month, visit hispanicheritagemonth.gov, and read more about Dr. Luna’s work in the following articles:

• The Daily Progress: UVa doctor helps Latinos get good care
• Emergency Medicine Center for Education, Research and Technology: Local Hero Spotlight: Latino Health Initiative
• UVA Today: Members of Charlottesville’s Latino Community Fighting for Their Lives