Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Our Commitment to Breaking Health Barriers
- Category: News & Events
- Posted On:
- Written By: Viviana Metzgar
- What is Hispanic Heritage Month?
- Hispanic vs. Latino (Latinx): What’s the Difference?
- Why do Hispanics have lower insurance enrollment rates?
- How Apicha CHC is Improving Healthcare Access
What is Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a holiday observed each year from September 15th to October 15th and was officiated into law in 1988. It’s an exciting time for Hispanic communities across the United States to honor and celebrate their rich heritage.
Hispanic Heritage Month is not just for the celebrated group but is also a great opportunity for others to learn more about Hispanic heritage and culture and destigmatize any harmful stereotypes that they may believe.
Unfortunately, a real issue that plagues the Hispanic community here in the US is the lack of sufficient medical care. One of the biggest factors that has been attributed to this has been a lack of insurance.
At Apicha CHC, we work to cater our services to address this phenomenon and to better serve our Hispanic community.
Hispanic vs. Latino (Latinx): What’s the Difference?
Many folks are surprised to learn the terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” are not interchangeable.
Hispanic is a term for people who have an ethnic heritage in one or more Spanish speaking countries. Latino, on the other hand, is a term that describes people who have an ethnic heritage in any Caribbean, Central, or South American countries.
For example, people from Brazil or with Brazilian lineage would not be considered Hispanic. This is because the national language of Brazil is Portuguese, not Spanish. However, Brazilians are considered Latino, because the country is located in South America
Why do Hispanics have lower insurance enrollment rates?
Within Hispanic communities across America, there is a documented low rate of insurance enrollment. This low enrollment rate can be attributed to various factors:
language barriers, lack of awareness, financial constraints
Language Barriers:
Many health websites and insurance providers use complex insurance terminology, making the information inaccessible to those whose first language isn’t English. can be a lot easier if information is provided in one’s native language.
Lack of Awareness:
There is a lack of knowledge about affordable insurance options and available benefits, which can cause uncertainty and confusion among potential enrollees.
Financial Constraints:
Next are financial constraints, and limited access to affordable healthcare options, which often deters many from enrolling in any type of insurance plan. In many cases, insurance premiums can be an added financial burden they are unable to afford.
These challenges only heighten the need within the community for additional support. Proactive outreach efforts, culturally sensitive educational materials, and improved access to affordable insurance options tailored to the community’s unique needs can help to lessen this gap in care.
How Apicha CHC is Improving Healthcare Access
One of the most significant challenges facing the Hispanic community is unequal and limited access to healthcare services. This gap can hinder prosperity as it often leads to untreated medical conditions, financial burdens, and missed opportunities.
Apicha CHC is committed to addressing such disparities. Here is how we are ensuring quality and culturally competent health care is accessible to our Hispanic communities:
Spanish-speaking staff & providers, insurance enrollment services, partnering with community organizations
Spanish-Speaking Staff & Providers
At both our Manhattan and Jackson Heights locations, we have Spanish-speaking providers and staff to help you navigate our services. It is proven that offering services in Spanish not only improves health outcomes but also empowers the Hispanic community to take charge of their health.
Click here to view our medical providers.
Click here to view our full list of services.
Click here to make an appointment.
Insurance Enrollment Services
We know it can be confusing navigating the New York State of Health Marketplace. Apicha CHC has dedicated staff who can help find health insurance that works for you. Click here to make an appointment with our Insurance Enrollment staff.
Partnering with Community Organizations
We believe that progress in closing the healthcare gap begins at the community level. Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a platform to celebrate our community-driven initiatives that promote health and wellness within the Hispanic community. We often partner with local organizations and other healthcare professionals to provide healthcare education, screenings, and access to resources, like insurance enrollment. Here are a few of our featured community partners:
Click here to view our upcoming free events.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrate your heritage by protecting your health and your wallet. Enrolling in insurance isn't just an act of self-care; it's a commitment to the progress and power of the community overall.
Take your first step in insurance enrollment by making an appointment today.