About NIHHC
Mission
To improve the health and wellness of underserved communities by providing preventative health screenings, education, and advocacy with a primary focus on Hispanics.
Connecting families to health care, learning, and community.
The Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition (NIHHC) was established in 2002 as an initiative of local Hispanic leaders of Elkhart County and the Indiana Minority Health Coalition (IMHC). It offers services to the communities of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble and Marshall counties, and it has local offices in Elkhart and Warsaw.
Since its inception, NIHHC has provided health intervention programs, complimentary preventative health screenings, and referrals to physicians and health care facilities, serving thousands of community members every year.
Educational Programs and Community Health Initiatives
Since 2002, NIHHC has successfully implemented educational programs aimed at preventing health complications and facilitating access to health care services for the community. One of NIHHC’s goals is to remove the language barrier that disproportionally affects the Hispanic community.
NIHHC serves community members who face difficulties in accessing healthcare services, regardless of their racial or ethnic background. With its bilingual staff, NIHHC is well-positioned in the Hispanic community; however, any community member is welcome to participate in our educational programs and health fairs, where we offer preventive health screenings, vaccination, among other services.
Hispanic community members face systemic barriers to accessing healthcare, including:
Language and Literacy Gaps
Lack of Familiarity with Local Primary Care and Basic Needs Organizations
Lack of Insurance or High Premium Copays
High Cost of Care
Transportation
Technology Barriers
Stigmatization, Racism, and Discrimination
Lack of Culturally Sensitive Care
NIHHC’s experience in implementing activities to overcome these systemic barriers is evident in the impact of its educational programs and its health care services. NIHHC seeks to increase access to health services and address health conditions that disproportionately affect the Hispanic community and other vulnerable communities, including in the following areas:
Preventive Care
Health Screenings and Vaccinations
NIHHC has built robust partnerships and cultivated long-term relationships with local healthcare organizations, social service agencies, businesses, churches, and educational institutions. These collaborations and their leadership have empowered NIHHC to effectively connect community members with essential services and maintain a substantial volunteer network of more than 300 community members who address the needs of our community through various outreach initiatives organized by NIHHC.
Awards and Recognitions
Coalition of the Year
In 2006, the Indiana Minority Health Coalition awarded NIHHC the Coalition of the Year, among 17 coalitions in the state.
Unsung Latina Heroine Award
In 2006, Indiana University-South Bend awarded NIHHC’s Executive Director, Liliana Quintero, the Unsung Latina Heroine Award.
Minority Business Leader Award
In 2019, Junior Achievement of Elkhart County recognized NIHHC’s Executive Director, Liliana Quintero, with the Thomas Atkins Recognition for Minority Business Leader Award and inducted her into their Business Legacy Hall of Fame.
Business Diversity Initiative Award
In 2022, the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce and the Business Diversity Initiative council awarded NIHHC with the Business Diversity Initiative Award, in recognition of its continuing commitment to the economic and cultural fabric of the greater Elkhart business community.
Coalition of the Year
In 2009, the Indiana Minority Health Coalition awarded NIHHC the Coalition of the Year, among 17 coalitions in the state.
Heart Hero Honor
In 2007, the American Heart Association awarded NIHHC’s Executive Director, Liliana Quintero, the Heart Hero Honor.
Key to the City of Elkhart
In 2019, NIHHC’s Executive Director, Liliana Quintero, received a Key to the City of Elkhart from Mayor Timothy Neese.
Age of Excellence Awards
In 2021, REAL Services nominated NIHHC for the Agency/Program Serving Low-Income of the Year Award for their annual Age of Excellence Awards.
Preventionist of the Year
In 2023, the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA), Division of Mental Health and Addiction recognized NIHHC’S Executive Director, Liliana Quintero, with the Preventionist of the Year Award.
Coalition of the Year
In 2013, the Indiana Minority Health Coalition awarded NIHHC the Coalition of the Year, among 29 coalitions in the state.
Woman of Service Award
In 2007, the YWCA awarded NIHHC’s Executive Director, Liliana Quintero, the Woman of Service Award.
Latinos Pro Education Award
In 2021, Latinos Pro Education, Inc. recognized NIHHC’s Executive Director, Liliana Quintero, with an award for outstanding performance and dedication to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Age of Excellence Awards
In 2022, REAL Services nominated NIHHC for the Agency/Program Serving Low-Income of the Year Award for their annual Age of Excellence Awards.
Key to the City of Elkhart
In 2019, Executive Director, Liliana Quintero, received a Key to the City of Elkhart from Mayor Timothy Neese for her undying commitment and public service to and for the children of Elkhart, with special recognition of Healthy Hearts, for which Ms. Quintero wrote and published the curriculum.