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The Binational Health Week, organized locally by the Berkeley Organizing Congregation for Action (BOCA), starts today (Friday) to promote mental health and physical fitness in the city. 

Events include an annual series of health promotion and education activities that include workshops, insurance referrals and medical screenings for Latino families. 

According to Belen Pulido, BOCA community organizer, the events emerge annually from networks created among agencies and organizations working on migrant health issues which help to foster ongoing collaborations. 

The week will kick off with “Dance for your Health”—a health fair with food and dance for the community—at the West Berkeley Senior Center from 7 to 9 p.m today (Friday). 

All the workshops will be in Spanish and held at the West Berkeley Senior Center from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For a schedule of workshops or more information see www.berkeleyboca.org or call 367-0654. 

Hugo Lucero, city mental health officer, told the Planet that mental illness is considered a stigma among the Latino community. 

“We call it a bad case of the nerves,” he said. “Latinos often deny that they have mental problems. This is a good way to raise awareness and help them open up.” 

Lucero said that 80 adults and 40 child-ren were expected to attend the workshops, which are being organized in collaboration with the City of Berkeley and partner agencies.  

The events will conclude with a Family Activity Day at Cesar Chavez Park on Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.