Medical providers work to break down big barriers to help Oklahoman Hispanic community
Heart disease, cancer and diabetes are among the leading causes of death among Hispanic people.
Heart disease, cancer and diabetes are among the leading causes of death among Hispanic people.
Heart disease, cancer and diabetes are among the leading causes of death among Hispanic people.
Heart disease, cancer and diabetes are among the leading causes of death among Hispanic people.
Doctors say prevention is the key. That's why Integris Health is working to provide more access to preventative care in Oklahoma's Hispanic communities.
They offer classes teaching the importance of good health and nutrition.
"With that, we have broken the first and very important barrier, education," said Carmen Romo, Hispanic outreach manager with Integris Community Benefit.
It doesn't stop with education. Mobile and free clinics are going into predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods with interpreters breaking the language barrier.
"We can see the change of the patient after their appointment," Romo said. "They feel comfortable. They understand everything the health provider says."
Oftentimes, without that preventative care, doctors say complications can be severe if you have an illness like diabetes.
"Needing dialysis, losing feet or toes and decreasing vision from retinopathy, which is a disease in the back of the eye from diabetes," said Dr. Tomas Owens, president of the medical staff at Integris Baptist Medical Center.
The federal government's Office of Minority Health says more Hispanic people are uninsured than any other racial or ethnic group in the U.S. The 2020 Census showed just under 50% of Hispanics had private health insurance compared to almost 74% of non-Hispanic whites.
Integris Health said economic barriers play a major role. They partner with other organizations in the state to connect Hispanic Oklahomans with free or low-cost health care.
"We have our own free or adjusted clinic at Mount Olivet on 10th Street," Owens said. "Additionally, Variety Care in federally subsidized clinic does care that's income adjusted to how well the person's doing financially."
Experts say Hispanic people have higher rates of obesity, which leads to many increased health risks.
"We are all different shades, colors, backgrounds, traditions. But in the end, we're all affected by similar maladies, and it's important we support each other to make things better," Owens said.