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Conn. Latino Health Advocacy Group Gets New Leader

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- A group that focuses on the health and social well-being of Connecticut's large Hispanic population is getting a new leader.

Jose Ortiz will become the Hispanic Health Council's new president and CEO in late February. That Hartford-based group was founded in 1978 and offers programs ranging from nutrition education to cancer support groups.

Ortiz, who lives in Bridgeport, has been director of the Connecticut state Office of Multicultural Affairs for 13 years. He replaces outgoing Health Council president Jeannette DeJesus, who has been named deputy commissioner of the state Department of Public Health.

The U.S. Census Bureau says about 12 percent of Connecticut residents are of Latino or Hispanic origin, making them the state's largest minority group.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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