Jennifer Sanchez

ETHS 2430

M, W, F 10-11:50

November 25, 2017

Lack of Health Care

In my opinion one of the major problems in the Hispanic/Latino community is the

access to health care. This issue is important to me because I have family that doesnt

have health insurance or has a hard time getting health care. Health care shouldnt be

difficult to get but it is for the Hispanic/Latino community. Most of the people from this

community dont like to go to the doctors or dont believe in it but everyones health is

important, and they need to know that too. Its important to have access to health care

especially if you have a family to support. This is an issue that hasnt been completely

resolved and needs to be addressed so those who are in the need of having health care

get the same chance to receive it. According to Hispanic demographics, Latino

population almost 14% of Utahs population and Hispanic population in Utah grew

78% during the past decade, growing by nearly 157,000. The Hispanic population is

growing and the more it grows the more people will need health care. Degree of

acculturation, language, and immigration status all directly affect access to care (Jose

J). Most Hispanics dont have healthcare because they are undocumented and dont

know where they can go to receive healthcare, some simply dont have the resources

they need to get help. Most Hispanics are eligible to receive some form of health insure

but they dont know it because they arent informed properly. Some have had bad
experiences when it came to receiving health care such as not getting good quality

care, lack of communication, or they end up paying too much money. When asked

about their most recent medical appointment, three-fourths (76%) of Latino adults who

are neither citizens nor legal permanent residents report that they felt comforted or

relieved by the visit, and 69% report feeling reassured (PHC). Another tricky thing is

applying for health insurance and knowing what qualifications are needed. Poverty is

one factor that effects whether one can get health care. More than one-fourth (28%) of

the people in this group indicate that financial limitations prevent them from having a

usual provider17% report that their lack of insurance is the primary reason, while 12%

cite high medical costs in general (PHC). There is also the fear of trying to look for help

because of fear of the government and thats my strategy is to help the Hispanic/Latino

community become well informed about health care.

When one is well informed about something they gain knowledge on that

something which can help them through life. Informing the Hispanic/Latino community

about health care in general will be my way to approach this issue. I will inform them

about health insurance, health coverage, health facilities, requirements needed, and

their rights. My plan is to create pamphlets that have visual graphics, phone numbers,

locations, and information. I also plan to make a Facebook page where people can see

what health facilities are available including ones that dont require health insure or

coverage. It will also contain links to websites in which they can easily navigate to start

their process for receiving health care and people will be able to post any information

they have that may be helpful to others. I would need to make flyers to advertise my

Facebook page. The pamphlets would be passed out in stores such as Rancho Market,
Costco, Home Depot, Lucky, Salt Lake Swap Meet, La Azteca and the open Swap

Meet. I have family members that would be willing to help me pass out flyers and

pamphlets. I would also try to get volunteers who are willing to help spread the word.

The expenses wont be anything major. The Facebook page is obviously free, for five

hundred pamphlets Id spend two-hundred thirty and for five hundred flyers it would be

two-hundred fifty, in total it would be four hundred eighty. I would try to get most of the

money by asking programs that are already trying to help with this issue if theyd be

willing to donate.

I know I will have people who will go against me like those who arent a part of

the Hispanic/Latino community, the government, and people who are in a higher

position and believe that Hispanics shouldnt get the opportunity to receive health care.

My biggest area resistance would be the government because they have programs out

there that the Hispanic/Latino community dont qualify for and because they have

created fear in this specific community. That is why I would like to start off by informing

people with the correct and accessible resources they will need.

I unfortunately didnt get the chance to interview anyone for my topic but if were

to have interviewed someone I would have interviewed someone from National Hispanic

National Association. Questions I wouldve liked to asked would be, How do you guys

reach out to the smaller Hispanic/Latino communities, How can you guys make

minorities feel less scared about seeking help, What resources are available to the

communities, Which resources are accessible, What has factors play into the lack of

health care with this certain community, What is your goal, how do you plan on

achieving this goal, and How can people help to get this issue resolved.
 With my interview I wouldve gained more knowledge on my issue and

what is going on and how I can better my strategy.

Lack of health care is a major issue in my opinion it shouldnt be difficult

for anyone to get access to health care. Minorities shouldnt be made any less than

those who are privileged. Its an equality vs equity issue, we should all be on the same

level even though some will get extra help. Health care should be for everyone

minorities included. 52 Million Hispanic in the U.S., Hispanics make 16% of the U.S.

population (UHCC). Hispanic population in the U.S. grew 46% during the past decade,

nearly one person out of every six living in the U.S. is Hispanic Origin (UHCC). The

Hispanic/Latino community is growing and will continue to grow and it is our job to give

them a hand and get them the help they need, health care is important.
References

http://www.pewhispanic.org/2009/09/25/hispanics-health-insurance-and-

health-care-access/

http://www.newsweek.com/barriers-health-care-hispanics-73467

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19910/

http://utahhcc.com/hispanic-res/demographics

http://www.nhmamd.org/