It is unfortunate that in contemporary society, fame and recognition often find a way to elevate an individual that by most measures hardly is a name or face that deserves such an honor. Indeed, quite a few famous people’s names quickly come to mind, yet will get no such name-dropping from us.
Yet, every so often a person will come along that deserves wide recognition and accolades for shouldering the type of task that almost guarantees obscurity.
Christina Abeja Hoshell is a name that we hope remains in the local vernacular for some time. Considering the work Hoshell has done on behalf of senior citizens living in the Imperial and Mexicali valleys, we feel Hoshell should have been recognized at an earlier time.
For the past decade Hoshell has been working to improve health care for the community’s seniors through enhanced bilingual education and advocacy. Recognizing the fact that many of the area’s seniors solely speak Spanish and are vulnerable to being taken advantage of and being misinformed, Hoshell’s efforts have provided many seniors ease of mind.
For her efforts, both the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health and President Felipe Calderón of Mexico recognized Hoshell this week with a framed letter of recognition. As a community action team member with AARP, Hoshell has been privy to instances where the Valley’s Spanish-speaking seniors were treated in a way unbefitting of any community member, regardless of their education level or language capabilities.
Hoshell’s name is also known along the corridors of Sacramento’s capitol building, where she has spoken with lawmakers about improving senior health services in the Valley.
Assuredly, there are countless others in the community that are similarly advocating for more humane solutions to all manner of things. In some cases they will receive the recognition they justly deserve, but it is just as likely that many of them won’t.
Hopefully, the community continues to produce such people like Christina Abeja Hoshell. And, just as importantly, remembers their names and their tireless community work as examples of what society should aspire to emulate.
THE ISSUE
Woman honored for senior health advocacy
WE SAY
Local advocates deserve more recognition
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
Send us your thoughts on this topic to www.ivpressonline.com/letterstotheeditor
Yet, every so often a person will come along that deserves wide recognition and accolades for shouldering the type of task that almost guarantees obscurity.
Christina Abeja Hoshell is a name that we hope remains in the local vernacular for some time. Considering the work Hoshell has done on behalf of senior citizens living in the Imperial and Mexicali valleys, we feel Hoshell should have been recognized at an earlier time.
For the past decade Hoshell has been working to improve health care for the community’s seniors through enhanced bilingual education and advocacy. Recognizing the fact that many of the area’s seniors solely speak Spanish and are vulnerable to being taken advantage of and being misinformed, Hoshell’s efforts have provided many seniors ease of mind.
For her efforts, both the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health and President Felipe Calderón of Mexico recognized Hoshell this week with a framed letter of recognition. As a community action team member with AARP, Hoshell has been privy to instances where the Valley’s Spanish-speaking seniors were treated in a way unbefitting of any community member, regardless of their education level or language capabilities.
Hoshell’s name is also known along the corridors of Sacramento’s capitol building, where she has spoken with lawmakers about improving senior health services in the Valley.
Assuredly, there are countless others in the community that are similarly advocating for more humane solutions to all manner of things. In some cases they will receive the recognition they justly deserve, but it is just as likely that many of them won’t.
Hopefully, the community continues to produce such people like Christina Abeja Hoshell. And, just as importantly, remembers their names and their tireless community work as examples of what society should aspire to emulate.
THE ISSUE
Woman honored for senior health advocacy
WE SAY
Local advocates deserve more recognition
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
Send us your thoughts on this topic to www.ivpressonline.com/letterstotheeditor
