One Language Barrier at a Time

Why do Hispanics experience disproportionately higher rates of disease, fewer treatment options, and reduced access to care? Some of the factors include low-income status, being uninsured or under-insured and communication barriers with health care professionals. These are all major deterrents to health care access, which is vital to good health. Monolingual Spanish-speakers cannot understand the law, their options or the costs associated with insurance coverage. Recently, Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a new website called CuidadoDeSalud.gov that offers health care information in Spanish. The language, often complicated by various dialects, is easy enough to read and understandable.

According to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, "CuidadoDeSalud.gov will give Latinos across the nation better information about the choices they have, how much they cost, and what they can expect from their doctor – specific to their life situation and local community." The new website is a resource for Hispanics who may not be able to obtain regular annual physical exams or preventative tests that detect the early onset of cancer, diabetes, heart and kidney disease. These are prevalent diseases in the Latino community. According to a recent government report on health disparities, the evidence shows higher rates of disease in the Hispanic population. For example, 14% of Hispanics suffer from adult onset diabetes compared to 8% of the White population. Another fact is that Hispanic women contract cervical cancer at twice the rate of White women. Other statistics show similar findings to support these disproportionate rates.

The Spanish-speaking population has gained technological access to critical information that provides options about health care choices. Individuals challenged by communication barriers can finally begin to understand our complex health care system in their own language. All this is just a click away. We may be on the verge of a breakthrough. Now we wait for the relief of suffering and pain of this impoverished community. More importantly, it has everything to gain: access to health care.

(MUR)