The Latino Medical Student Association at the Wayne State University School of Medicine will explore the history and health of Detroit’s Latino population with a special presentation July 22.

“An Orientation to Southwest Detroit's Latino History and Health Considerations,” taking place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Margherio Family Conference Center, will feature Osvaldo Rivera, MSW, sharing information and insight on Southwest Detroit's rich Latino history and providing an overview of health considerations that may be relevant to medical professionals as they care for those in this community. He also will discuss resources available to medical students, health professionals and researchers to assist them as advocates.

Born in Puerto Rico, Rivera lived in southwest Detroit most of his life. For nearly five decades, he has been active in community advocacy and human services. He served as mental health director for ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services), as the executive director of Latino Family Services and as dean of Students at Wayne County Community College.

In 1998, he started a 10-year tenure as director of Multicultural Affairs and assistant professor of Social Work/Sociology at Madonna University. In 2008, he provided oversight to Children/Family Special Projects for the Wayne County division of the State of Michigan’s Department of Human Services. From 2013 to 2016, he led community engagement efforts for Southwest Solutions.

He consults with a number of social service and arts organizations, and teaches social work classes at the University of Michigan.

Refreshments will be provided at the event, which is open to all students, faculty and staff.

For more information, email Alexander Buendia at gy5469@wayne.edu.