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Several barriers affect Latinos when it comes to accessing quality health care. Finances, communication, and transportation are three of the most prevalent issues. In North Carolina, these issues, especially communication, are especially acute. Latinos who do not speak English often have to pay extra in rural areas of North Carolina to have a translator with them at their doctor’
“Probably one of the biggest problems [at the Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (GHCCM)] is communication,” said Sue Troutman, a registered nurse at GHCCM. “If they don’t speak good English, they miss things. Sometimes they don’t know what’s available and that’s partially to the translation barrier.”
Even when translators are on staff, the possibility exists that something is either miscommunicated due to a misunderstanding or an incorrect translation. The patient’s understanding of every step of the medical procedure is crucial.
“Find people to translate, to me that would resolve a lot of problems,” said Carmen Morales, St. Joseph Catholic Church Clinic manager.
At GHCCM, located in Hickory, North Carolina (11.9% Latino population), many of the patients at this volunteer facility are Latino. The doctors found many of the Latino patients that visit the clinic are reluctant to visit the clinic until absolutely necessary. Some Hispanics and Latinos have a fear of entering the medical system for several reasons.
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“There is a lot of distrust with medical providers,” Troutman said. “I treat these patients exactly the same way as I would any other patient. I think there is an issue of lack of trust and some prejudice, which causes (Hispanics and Latinos) to only go to medical facilities when they are really sick.”
Troutman believes that, when a Hispanic or Latino comes in to GHCCM, doctors know they are really sick, otherwise they wouldn’t be there. Barriers in the health care system slow down processes and can result in a minor issue becoming major.
“[This population] doesn’t go in when they’re sick, they go in after two or three weeks of being sick,” Troutman said. “They defer care until it’s absolutely necessary.”
Receiving proper health care, regardless of racial, ethnic, or religious background is important as chronic disease or complications related to illnesses shorten lives.
“Given the number of Hispanics in the United States, it’s critical that we pay more attention to these individuals,” Dr. Carlos J. Rodriguez, an associate professor of medicine and epidemilogy at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, said in a news release. “No population can be left behind if we are to improve the health of the entire country.”
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By The Numbers
25.1
percent
of Latinos remain without health insurance coverage
