Problems of Hispanics in America - Essay Example

? Hispanics - A Specific Underserved Population Hispanics - A Specific Underserved Population Minority groups in America face a lot of challenges. These challenges range from their fight against racism to their fight for equal rights and privileges that other groups receive. In recent times, it has become next to impossible to ignore the fact that many groups are facing the effect of being a minority group. This is in terms of health care, poverty, and equal rights, which are among the issues they face. Many minority groups living in America feel that the present system does not pay enough attention to their medical or health care needs (Mayer & Villaire, 2009). They feel that the pressure placed on them by society to behave the certain way is unfair. Common stereotypes about these minority groups present them with problems wherever they go, and the common misjudgements they receive. One of the most urgent needs is the health care many of them receive. This paper will examine the most pressing needs of this group, and what is currently underway to address these pressing necessities. Section 1 Description of the target group The targeted group in this case is the Hispanic group. Many communities face challenges when it comes to health care. However, many minority groups feel that they face most of these challenges without having anyone to address their most pressing needs. They feel that because of the increase in hatred over immigration laws they are being undermined when it comes to a number of things. These things should be basic to them in a country they consider full of opportunity, and part of the free world. Immigration led to their growth in America; thus, the transfer of their cultural beliefs, their social behaviour, and language. All these the aspects that add to the reasons why they are considered a minority group (Mayer & Villaire, 2009). Geographic community and health needs Some of the health issues they face include the lack of quality health care systems. This is a problem because the disparity between the health systems in other regions is immense. The presence of these disparities causes unrest among a majority of the people. Another problem that arises is the connection concerning health care specialists and the society they are meant to serve. Currently, there is a rise in cultural miscommunication and misunderstandings. This leads to poor connection between the patient populations and the health practitioners (Walker & Spann, 2008). The backgrounds of these parties differ and prove a challenge to many of the health care givers in the region. Most of the time, they may not be familiar with the societal or ethnic foundations of the population. In Maryland, the Latinos suffer many health issues that can be addressed at an early stage. Chronic liver disease among the young population, for example, is one issue that should not affect people in a developed country such as America. There are also a large number of stroke cases that occur among young people. This should not be the scenario for the highly developed nation. Also, medical attention should be provided to the citizens of America regardless of their economic standing (Walker et al, 2010). Section 2 How the needs are being addressed There are ways in which the most pressing needs of the Hispanic people are being addressed currently. The CDC is at the forefront of improving the gathering, examination, and recording of health statistics that is crucial for Latinos. This works in favour of all those who might need this information to acquire a rough sketch of how the health care sector is benefitting the people. The people also need this information to find out their health situation, and what they can do to assist themselves with the health issues they face (Mayer & Villaire, 2009). Many organizations are expanding the health promotion and disease prevention by launching awareness campaigns that target Latinos. This goes a long way in helping the group have the know-how of what affects them. They have to do this to reduce the problems they face with regards to health care (Walker et al, 2010). Another manner in which to address the issue facing the Hispanic community is to increase community participation in all matters dealing with health. This works to prevent the implementation of policies that do not positively affect the people. Once this is achieved, it is possible for the minority group to implement policies they prefer when it comes to their health care systems (Mayer & Villaire, 2009). Also, how they prefer to deal with the issues that come with their choices will rest solely on their shoulders. Moreover, the availability of culturally appropriate health services will enable the group to be more practical in their demands for health care provision. This means that organizations will be keener to hire Latino health specialists to satisfy the wants of the community (Walker & Spann, 2008). This is happening currently, which helps foster understanding between the patient population and the health care givers. All the parties involved will be aware of the cultural and social standings of one another, thus, reducing the number of miscommunications and misunderstandings. The growth of the health care sector among this minority group of people will be tantamount and expected as these issues are addressed to ensure satisfaction among all parties involved. Recommendations to better address the health needs The government needs to address the issues facing minority groups to avoid controversy among the groups affected. Many reforms are currently underway to ensure that the nation benefits from health care. Everything is happening in the wake of change that is required in health care, globally. Some of the recommendations that one can insist on for these groups would be; major health care coverage for the majority of the people (Walker et al, 2010). Health insurance cover may benefit minority groups that reside in the nation. Another recommendation would be to clearly define the capital that is intended for these minority groups. This is in the national budget, hence; ensuring that the capital is not misappropriated by the groups concerned (Dilip et al, 2009). It is common to see funds missing in many health dockets intended for health care. Once this is addressed, many groups can deal with the reduced number of health problems that present themselves on a daily basis. In conclusion, poverty or ethnic origin should not be the reason why people suffer over issues that can be handled. Addressing some, if not all, these issues ensures everyone goes home happy and content. The disparities that exist can only be summed up to the lack of, or low amount of capital these groups have (Dilip et al, 2009). However, health cover and health care should not be provided based on what people earn. Many underserved communities in the nation face this problem, and many other health care problems. It seems they are not going away soon, mainly because; poverty, health care, and health care disparities go hand-in-hand with many of these underserved communities. References Dilip V. J., Twamley, E. W., Cardenas, V., Lebowitz, B., & Reynolds, C. F. (2009). A call for training the trainers: Focus on mentoring to enhance diversity in mental health research. American Journal of Public Health, 99(1), 31-37. Mayer, G., & Villaire, M. (2009). Enhancing written communication to address health literacy. Journal of the American Nurses Association, vol. 14. Walker, B., & Spann, M. (2008). The need for diversity in the environmental health workforce. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 19(1), 16-25. Walker, K., Ryan, G., Ramey, R., Nunez, F. L., Beltran, R., Splawn, R., & Brown, A. (2010). Recruiting and retaining primary care physicians in urban underserved communities: The importance of having a mission to serve. Journal of Public Health, 100(11), 2168-2175. Read More