Navigating through a Complex Health Care System

Health not only starts in our bodies but it starts in our homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities. We’ve been told all of our lives to “eat right”, “make sure you exercise”, “make sure you see your doctor annually”, etc. However, we have come to learn that our health is greatly determined by our access to economic and social resources. This phenomena can be explained by the social determinants of health - complex conditions of where people live, work, worship, etc that can affect their health. I want to focus on one population specifically: immigrants. During my service year, I’ve come to learn about the many social and economic issues that immigrants to this country face while pursuing adequate health care.  

Immigration is not seen as a health determinant itself but it definitely can restrict behavioral choices that directly lead to detrimental socioeconomic effects. At my host site, the Squirrel Hill Health Center, we find that many immigrants come to America for a better life, but cannot seem to shake past traumas and tribulations they’ve endured from life in their home countries. In addition to this, they have to learn to assimilate to the dominant culture or else they would be seen as an outgroup. The pressure and stress can directly translate into poor physical and mental health outcomes both in the short term and long term.

To combat this issue, the Squirrel Hill Health Center has tried to address the complexity of health issues by providing care not only medically but in a holistic way; for example, by inviting immigrant patients to group therapy sessions. The health center also offers interpretation services to make healthcare more readily accessible. This facilitates patients to engage in open dialogue with staff.

From my time at the Squirrel Hill Health Center, I’ve learned about the importance of meeting patients to where they’re comfortable, especially in a health care system that makes it impressively hard to navigate through. As a daughter of immigrants myself, I remember how hard it was for my parents to be able to even schedule and attend appointments. So I’m happy about the work my host site has put into making it a welcoming health center. I have learned immensely from their example and will carry the lessons I’ve learned when it comes time for me to further my health services career. Although I’ve only been in my service position for a couple of months, my time with them has been invaluable!