TRAILBLAZERS: LATINAS IN PUBLIC HEALTH, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CENTENNIAL

Aurea Martinez and Yvonne Carretero, public health educators and community empowerment organizers, will be forever remembered for their contributions in the development and implementation of community health in New York City and globally. Mrs. Martinez and Ms. Carretero are real trailblazers.

Back in the 1980’s when AIDS, Crack, and urban poverty heavily impacted black and Latino communities, I had the opportunity as a young woman to be their student. Martinez and Carretero were the eyes and ears of community-based initiative and programs in Washington Heights, serving and empowering through their community, led sessions and parenting skills programs. Mrs. Martinez taught sexual education, leadership skills and health education with joy, respect, and dignity.

Ms. Carretero was the program director of a public health initiative from Columbia University School of Public Health for and by young people—Teatro HEY (Health Education for the Youth). Such was a vehicle of empowerment, knowledge, and learning, through vignettes and improvisational theater, we led sessions on the pressing issues of the 80’s and 90’s. We opened doors for all community stakeholders to join in dialogue and action. Because of this work, many community-based organizations were able to serve and create viable school-based health programs for parents, students, and educators.

Their profound knowledge and love for public health education has been pivotal in what is now known as Community Health Education. Generations of students like me benefitted from their wise counsel and support. I still remembered when we chatted about with Dr. Alan Rosenfield, M.D., supporter of all community programs about our professional dreams. They believed in us and took the time to listen and guide.

Today, I can attest that part of my public interest lawyering passion started with them. Other members of Teatro HEY are health and community educators, counselors, and public interest servants because of Rosenfield’s, Martinez’ and Carretero’s visionary guidance and counsel.

Columbia University School of Public Health celebrates the Centennial of the Public Health School. I urge our global community to honor them by naming community programs, schools, and streets with their names. Their legacy is timeless and profound, and had a national impact, from downstate to upstate, NY, and beyond.

I hope they are given the national and international recognition their work and legacy truly deserve.

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