Alfabetismo en Salud

Currently, I serve as the Patient Benefits Advocate for Spanish-speaking and Obstetrics Care Patients in East Liberty Family Health Care Center (ELFHCC). This health care center was founded in 1982 and has played an essential role to its community’s health. The center serves approximately 8,000 patients per year and has more than 33,000 patients encountered annually. I assist our Spanish-speaking patients by promoting the available options for obtaining needed care. I also collaborate with the clinic’s obstetrics team to assess eligibility for medical assistance and/or emergency medical assistance for uninsured expectant families and families with newborns. I feel so fortunate to have a position that combines my passions for Latino culture and family health.

The most pressing issue I have encountered is health literacy, especially for the Spanish-speaking patient population. Health literacy is described as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services” (www.cdc.gov). ELFHCC has wonderful access to clear, understandable educative resources. However, it is the language that becomes a barrier. Very often, there is a loss of information for non-English speaking patients. This can lead to clients feeling quite frustrated or frightened. It is not uncommon for a patient to leave the clinic room with unasked questions and confusion. As a patient advocate, it is important to me that all patients can comfortably and clearly receive information about his or her physical health. I have decided to focus on the pregnant Spanish speaking patients, a combination of both populations I served.

I have partnered with the both the Latino Family Center and the Birth Circle to enroll Spanish-speaking, pregnant women in birthing classes. The Latino Family Center helps Latino families assimilate to life in the United States, while simultaneously connecting them to each other and their cultural traditions. Last year, the center provided over 280 families with services including but not limited to nutrition classes, literacy classes, health care, and school preparation. This center also connects families to legal services, social services, and social events. Marcila, a Spanish-speaking doula or midwife, works very closely the doctors at East Liberty Family Health Care Center.

Ms. Marcila taught me importance of the interrelationships between language, culture, and health education. It is not simply enough to directly translate or inform. That is why she teaches a birthing class directly for the Spanish-speaking population. She wants to serve the clients in a way that makes them feel comfortable and heard. I have already seen some positive feedback and interest in my patients. Many of them want to ensure their baby has the best prenatal care possible. I encourage this behavior! Excellent, thorough prenatal care means healthier babies and deliveries. Ultimately, this is more cost efficient and provides more funding for other health-related disparities.

I am looking forward to making more connections like this during the rest of my service year. Go AmeriCorps!