News Summary

SPRINGFIELD — A panel of area leaders will discuss services their respective agencies have to offer the growing Latino population in Clark and Champaign counties in a forum on Thursday.

The Latino Migrant Coalition of Clark and Champaign County will host the first-of-its-kind panel at 11:30 a.m. in the City Hall Forum, 76 E. High St.

"It will not be an immigration debate," warned David Smiddy, coalition president and moderator of the event.

"It's more about finding out what things we can do for the people who are already here."

The discussion will largely focus on ways to provide services to Spanish-speaking immigrants, Smiddy added.

Panelists include Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly, Springfield Police Division Chief Stephen Moody and Clark County Commissioner John Detrick, as well as officials from various health and social services agencies.

The panelists will specifically be asked questions about cultural/language barriers, transportation issues, eligibility criteria for assistance and ideas to overcome barriers to assist the Latino population.

"A lot of barriers to access (to programs) come from no information or misinformation," Smiddy said.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to Smiddy at 937-323-8617 or david.smiddy@clarkcountyliteracy.org

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0374 or boutten@coxohio.com.