The American Heart Association recognizes Minority Health Month as a continued effort to reduce disparities and improve health for all people.
DALLAS, April 17, 2024 — Language barriers, long-standing structural racism barriers, underrepresentation by medical professionals, and higher than average rates of poor health risk factors affect Hispanic-Latino populations. It is one of the alarming trends that continues to impede quality healthcare outcomes. I live in the US. The American Heart Association is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving work as the world's leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for everyone, and through a series of important initiatives aimed at reducing health disparities. We continue to make progress in addressing health challenges.
“Research shows that Hispanic Latinos have disproportionately higher rates of certain risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. However, research shows that Studies suggest that of all racial and ethnic groups, Hispanic Latinos are the least likely to seek medical care for illness,” said Carlos Rodriguez, M.D., volunteer and current president of the American Heart Association. said Dr. MPH, FAHA. He is also a founding member of the association's National Hispanic-Latino Cardiovascular Collaborative (NHLCC). “This may be due to the severe shortage of Hispanic-Latino health care professionals across the United States. You want to talk to someone you trust.'' That's not an experience that many Hispanic-Latinos have. ”
Rodriguez said this lack of support often means children have to step in as translators for their families during medical appointments. Even with a professional medical interpreter, parents should remove their children from school and bring them to the appointment to ensure there are no misunderstandings or cultural misunderstandings regarding health concerns or medical instructions. I often go there.
Melissa Rodríguez Mendoza, a 2022-2023 first class U.S. student, said, “Watching my parents struggle in the health care system made me realize the need for Spanish-speaking health care workers, especially doctors.” I felt that,” he said. She is a participant in the Heart Association's National Hispanic and Latino Cardiovascular Collaboration (NHLCC) Scholars Program and is currently a third-year medical student at Universidad Autonomous de Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico. She said, “It was this experience of hers in her childhood that inspired me to become a doctor, which was what her parents needed at the time.''
“Breaking language barriers in health care is not just a matter of communication; it is about breaking down the barriers that prevent access to critical care and ensuring that all voices are heard, understood, and empowered.” , a current member of the 2023-2024 NHLCC Scholars Program class, is a third-year medical student at The Ohio State University School of Medicine and is deeply involved in working with the Hispanic-Latino community in Columbus, Ohio.
Improved communication between Hispanic/Latino patients and their health care providers could improve care and health outcomes while increasing trust in the health care system, Rodriguez said. He said that it can reduce the barrier of
“I believe in the power of representation in healthcare. By promoting diversity and inclusion, we not only enhance patient care, but also inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders to break down barriers and drive innovation. We will ensure a healthier and more just future for all,” he said.
The Society's National Hispanic-Latino Cardiovascular Scientist Program leverages scientific thought leadership to create the next generation of Hispanic-Latino researchers and medical practitioners who can proactively address long-standing systemic inequities in health care. We provide mentorship and professional development opportunities to develop leaders. In addition, the Institute's Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Scholars Program connects undergraduate biomedical and health sciences students at HSI with passionate and influential mentors to improve health disparities and cultural We support you in learning how consideration can provide a safe and secure clinical space. and how important inclusivity is in science.
To learn more about how the American Heart Association is working to improve health and health care for all, visit heart.org.
Additional resources:
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Media inquiries: 214-706-1173
Cathy Lewis: cathy.lewis@heart.org
Elizabeth Nickerson: elizabeth.nickerson@heart.org
General inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
