Josephine Mercado, J.D.

Relying entirely on donated medical services and a cadre of volunteers, she has shared her vision in the form of health forums, community advocacy, original screenplays, and board games to reach over 2000 adults annually with life saving health information and services. Her achievements are a testament to what can be accomplished when a determined spirit is not dissuaded by opinions that what one seeks to accomplish can’t be done. Evaluator

Community Health Leaders
2010

Area(s) of Expertise:
Access to care
Health equity

Leader's Biography 2010:
When Josephine Mercado retired from her career as a lawyer in New York and moved to Florida, she discovered there was little or no statistical data on the delivery of basic health care services to Hispanic or Black populations. Using her legal background, Mercado founded Hispanic Health Initiatives (HHI), which empowers Central Florida’s Hispanic community to make informed decisions about wellness and health care. Mercado rallied an army of volunteers to educate migrants and uninsured communities about wellness and disease prevention. HHI offers health forums, health fairs, health classes and screenings to thousands of Central Florida families.

Where this leader can be reached today:
Executive Director
Hispanic Health Initiatives, Inc.
201 Live Oaks Boulevard
Casselberry, FL 32707
Phone: (407) 339-2001
Fax: (407) 339-1700
Email: Josephine@hhi2001.org
Website: www.HHI2001.org