To better foster dialogue around racial disparities and health care, Monroe Clinic hosted a Meet & Greet event in July 2021 to initiate thoughtful community conversations. The Spanish-speaking event was held at a local middle school as an open discussion for Hispanic families to bring forward questions around health care. Moderating the discussion was Monroe Clinic Primary Care Nurse Practitioners, Diane Pineda, FNP-BC and Julio Delgadillo, FNP. 
Questions and comments at the event included vaccine information, the experience of scheduling and going to an appointment if you only speak Spanish, blood pressure and glucose screenings, and the request to hold meetings like this more often and in different locations. Participants feel that people are interested and will continue to come with their questions. 
This opportunity was brought forward by Ramon Viveros, the middle school’s dean, who shared that their Hispanic population needed more health care related information. As fluent Spanish speakers and already established providers to some Hispanic patients, Diane and Julio were excited to volunteer to lead these discussions. 
Diane and Julio are committed to community health for this underserved population. This is just the beginning of Monroe Clinic’s plans to address comments and concerns that were made at the event and help eliminate barriers for their health care needs. More Meet & Greet type of community events are being planned along with visits to churches and local employers.