In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson introduced Hispanic Heritage Week. The week was later expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to encompass a 30-day period beginning September 15 and ending October 15. The mid-month starting and ending dates align with many significant independence anniversaries in Latin American countries, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico and Chile.
National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans as the nation celebrates the part of our heritage rooted in Latin American countries. The month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture recognizes the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods.
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States
According to the United States Census Bureau, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States. It is also the most learned language other than English. More than 42 million people aged five and older speak Spanish in their homes. In this country, there are more Spanish speakers than French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Hawaiian, and the various dialects of Chinese, Indo-Aryan, and Native American languages combined.
Ensuring every patient fully understands their doctor’s instructions and comments is essential to receiving the best quality of care. Hispanic and Latinx Americans face a number of challenges around access to health care and treatments. Hispanic and Latinx adults are less likely than other Americans to have health care insurance and receive preventive health care.
In a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, Hispanic and Latinx Americans said that workplace health risks are the top factor or reason they have worse health outcomes than other U.S. adults. Making sense of the U.S. health care system can be challenging for everyone, and this seems especially so for Hispanic Americans. According to the Pew Research Center, 44% of Hispanic Americans say that communication problems from language or cultural differences are a major reason why Hispanic people have generally worse health outcomes than other U.S. adults.
Challenges Hispanic Americans often face in health care include:
- Language barriers (health literacy)
- Cultural misunderstandings
- Breakdown in communication
Many organizations are improving their ability to communicate in Spanish by translating handouts and instructions to help bridge language barriers and comfort gaps between doctors, nurses, and patients. For example, in this short video a Spanish-speaking woman meets with a Spanish-speaking health care clinician for an In-Home Health Evaluation in her home in Miami, Florida. Both were born and raised in Cuba and migrated to the United States.
This is just one way Signify Health—along with many leaders in health care—is working with individuals to help them feel comfortable and position them for the best possible health care outcomes. When a health care encounter like an in-home visit from Signify Health (which can also take place over video) is in a language of their choice, the mutual understanding and connection are almost always better.
Encontrar un médico que hable español (Finding a doctor who speaks Spanish)
Language preferences should not prevent you from finding a doctor you are comfortable with and receiving good health care. Speaking the same language can be critical to better communication and better health. If you would prefer to have a Spanish-speaking doctor for you or a loved one, follow these tips.
- Ask family and friends.
This could be your best resource because you can receive information from someone you trust.
- Contact community centers and organizations.
Check with your local community center and/or your church or similar faith-based organization. These places often work closely with local health care practitioners.
- Consult with your health care insurance provider.
If you have health care insurance, some organizations can help direct you to Spanish-speaking doctors and health care centers in their network.
- Look online.
In addition to local websites, there are also certain government and other organizations that can help you find a doctor or medical center that features Spanish-speaking doctors, nurses, and health care clinicians. For example, Healthcare For Hispanics is a website that provides helpful information. Click here to visit their site.
- Use technology apps.
If you are comfortable using technology, there are specific Spanish language apps that can help Latinos find resources and answers to their questions. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a Spanish language version of their popular app, QuestionBuilder, which offers supports for appointments and making sure health care is accessible and understandable. Click here to download the QuestionBuilder app.
To learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month, click here.