Author: Carmen Foster
Latinx communities in the United States are experiencing a troubling increase in HIV infections, compounded by significant barriers to healthcare access, such as limited social support, immigration status, poverty, language challenges, exploitation, and difficulties in acculturating to U.S. culture. Discrimination based on race, income, and immigration status further exacerbates their vulnerabilities, hindering access to essential healthcare services.
When working with Latinx individuals who are also undocumented, consider the following:
- Available resources: Thoroughly understand and be well informed about the resources available to the Latinx population, particularly those who are undocumented. Investing time in researching and locating resources that address the specific needs of this community is crucial. Key resources to prioritize include legal services for low-income families, assistance with obtaining identification, insurance navigation, and income support.
- Cultural and linguistic responsiveness: Meet individuals where they are, especially in terms of language. Language barriers can significantly hinder communication and access to essential services. To address this, it is crucial to intensify the effort to hire individuals from within the community you are serving. This means recruiting staff who not only speak Spanish but are also well-versed in the cultural nuances of the community. This approach should apply not only to case managers but also to medical staff. It is important to identify those within your agency who are best suited to work effectively with this population.
- Provision of educational materials: Offer educational materials in Spanish that are specifically related to HIV care, including topics about adherence, undetectable viral load, and other aspects of HIV management. Ensuring that this information is available in Spanish is essential for overcoming language barriers and providing Latinx individuals with the knowledge they need. Developing or sourcing these materials is a key step in effectively serving this community, enabling them not only to be informed but also to stay informed about their care.
- Recognizing cultural diversity: There is no one-size-fits-all approach when working with Latinx or Hispanic individuals in the U.S. These groups include persons from various countries and nations such as Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South and Central America, and other Spanish-speaking regions. Recognizing this diversity is essential in tailoring your approach to each person who seeks your services. Latinx are not a monolithic group; there are distinct differences and variations in lifestyles, health beliefs, and health practices. Emphasizing and respecting these cultural differences is crucial in providing effective and culturally responsive care.
- Income limitations: The Latinx population continues to be disproportionately affected by poverty. The lack of legal immigration status for many in the Latinx community often places them in very low-income brackets, which significantly increases barriers to healthcare access. Limited income influences the distance they live from accessible clinics and restricts transportation options, as many cannot afford a vehicle or must rely on inadequate public transportation. Moreover, their financial constraints make it difficult to attend medical appointments regularly without jeopardizing their employment, which is essential for their financial survival.
Examples/practical applications
It is crucial to assess your site’s existing processes and systems and determine how to tailor them to better serve undocumented Latinx clients. A holistic approach should be employed, considering the individual in their entirety. This often involves providing multiple services at a single location or bringing services directly to the client, rather than requiring them to visit different service locations, even within the same organization. Such an approach can significantly improve client outcomes. The key to success lies in effectively integrating all identified services and necessary adaptations to meet the unique needs of this population.
References:
- 15-facts-about-Latino-Well-Being-R11.pdf (ucla.edu)
- Systematic Review of Social Determinants of Health Associated With HIV Testing Among Hispanic/Latino Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Cultural Insights: Communicating with Hispanics/Latinos (cdc.gov)
- Barriers to Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among HIV-Positive Hispanic and Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men —United States, 2015–2019 | MMWR (cdc.gov)
- The Invisible US Hispanic/Latino HIV Crisis: Addressing Gaps in the National Response – PMC (nih.gov)
Author
Carmen Foster, a dedicated advocate for the Latinx LGBTQAI+ community, serves as the clinic manager of TRUCHA, the HIV services department at La Clinica de la Raza. Born in Guatemala, Carmen migrated to the US at the age of 14, bringing with her a commitment to serving marginalized communities.
Her journey in HIV advocacy began in 2003 in Orange County, California, where she started as a volunteer at the AIDS Services Foundation, now known as Radiant Health Center. Carmen’s passion and dedication led her to join the HIV team as a case manager and HIV testing counselor. She also played a vital role in organizing a family camp for children and families affected by HIV.
Carmen has served on the HIV planning council of Alameda County and as a member of the UCSF CAPS community advisory board and the East Bay Getting to Zero Steering Committee. She also contributes her expertise to the Diablo College CHW Advisory Board.