NOTES FROM BINATIONAL HEALTH CONFERENCE (May 2001)
Pharmacy Project in the works (as reported to me by Dra. Lozada of ISESALUD - HIV coordinator for Tijuana) – this project was recently re-funded by the state.
1) educational workshops to pharmacists who are often the 1st and only contact for many with STD’s and other common infections in Mexico
2) making condoms easier to buy and less expensive
3) producing a pamphlet for clinical referral services (where to get tested/treated/follow-up)
4) as of yet no inclusion of herbal pharmacists (I asked, cause herbal/natural/magical/alternative products are used by a lot of folks here)
5) no bleaching kits or info will be provided because of politics

Secretary of Tourism objectives (as reported to me by the Sect. Of Tourism himself)
1) Main objective concerning health issues is to lessen the impact of under-aged people coming from the US to drink in TJ, and to reduce the number of teens crossing to drink
2) Currently involved in a binantional workgroup
3) Looking for strategies to strengthen tourism and prevent problems such as drunk driving, disorderly conduct, etc.
4) Was concerned about the bad image given to Baja as a result of tourist deaths
5) Wants tourists to have pleasant and safe travel
6) Involved in controlling pharmacies to ensure quality of products, reduce the sale of controlled substances, and reduce the rate of incarcerated tourists who get busted for carrying substances without a prescription

Border Health Facility to be constructed by the USMBHA (US – Mexico Border Health Association)
1) Facility would provide outreach, information, and referrals – not clinical services
2) Facility would be located at the INS Port of Entry and would be funded through US federal funds
3) Facility would be accessable from both sides of the border and would be coordinated by Presidents from both sides of the border
4) Facility would contain eligibility workers, health services, social services
5) Facility would be created in conjunction with the Mexican Consulate
6) Facility would serve two primary target populations: a) elderly seeking services in Mexico; b) Mexican nationals seeking health services in the US
7) Current investigation includes data need assessment for US and Mexican populations
8) Concept of facility is currently under development by USMBHA and will be voted on this Fall. I am a member of USMBHA – any comments or suggestions???

Epidemic!!! Film and lecture series all summer at the San Diego Natural History Museum (NINE LECTURES LEFT!). Free attendance for USMBHA members and anyone who says they are part of the Border Health Association and were invited by the director Lori Senini (no papers or id required). Planning a field trip to visit, if anyone would like to come with?? Or look at www.sdnhm.org for info on lecture dates.