Caring for All: National Minority Health Month

Providing information in a person’s chosen language is just one way we can help improve the health of people in minority populations, and it’s something we’re always striving to do more of at CHI Health. 

Unfortunately, language is not the only hurdle. Research shows much needs to be done to achieve health equity, which means everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health.  Consider these statistics: 

• Non-Hispanic blacks are almost three times more likely to die from asthma-related causes than the non-Hispanic white population.1 
• Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women.2
• Hispanic people are 50% more likely to die from diabetes or liver disease than white people,3 though their overall death rate is lower.

It’s a topic in the national spotlight every April, when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) observes National Minority Health Month. The theme for 2023 is: “Better Health Through Better Understanding.” 

Language Access

Did you know nearly more than 1 in 5 people (21.5%) in the US speak a language other than English at home, and 8.2% say they speak English less than “very well”?4 It is important to recognize that language can be a significant barrier. 

4 Things We Do at CHI Health

1. Offer confidential interpretation services in more than 100 languages.
2. Translate and print vital educational materials in many different languages.
3. Help people obtain proper health insurance coverage.
4. Work closely with many community organizations to ensure patients receive culturally and linguistically appropriate services.

Cultural Sensitivity

Every provider at CHI Health is committed to providing culturally-sensitive care, and our care teams also come from diverse backgrounds. When you seek care, take the opportunity to ask questions and seek out a provider that you feel is a good fit for your health care needs and understands your racial and ethnic background.

It’s important to know that it is okay to switch providers if needed to make a meaningful connection. It is when patients and health care providers work together that we can make a difference and improve health outcomes for minority populations.

4 Things You Can Do

1. When calling or checking in to our clinics, request an interpreter in your native language.
2. Ask questions of your health care team to ensure there is a trusting and meaningful connection.
3. Request any vital education or care instructions be translated in your native language.
4. Tell your healthcare provider about your specific needs/wishes.

We encourage patients of all backgrounds to seek care on an yearly basis and as needed for any issues that may arise. We wish to empower patients to visit our CHI Health Clinics for any and all health care needs. Together, we can ensure you and your family are well taken care of and comfortable with the care you receive. 

Resources:

1 https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=15#:~:text

2 https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/maternal-mortality/index.html

3 https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/hispanic-health/index.html

4 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_the_United_States#cite_note-8