Amig@s –

Hispanics are less likely to get preventive services than non-Hispanic whites.

This is not just a statistic.

It is real.

It puts millions of people at risk of developing health complications that could have been prevented.

Now, the problem is NOT just access.

It is also about trust and affordability and a system that does NOT always meet Hispanics where they are.

Let’s taco ‘bout this enchilada.

Three Insights 🌶️

If you’ve ever waited too long to flip a tortilla, you know it burns fast.

That’s exactly what’s happening with preventative care for my community.

The truth.

When millions of them seek medical attention, the damage is already done.

In reality, Hispanics face some of the lowest rates of preventative screenings in the country.

• Colorectal cancer screenings are 28% lower than non-Hispanic whites.
• Vaccination rates fall behind national averages.
• Blood pressure and cholesterol checks are often overlooked until symptoms appear.

Now, this is not because these services aren’t needed but because the system isn’t built with Hispanics in mind.

Do you get it?

In other words, millions of Hispanics.

Work labor-intensive jobs without paid time off makes it financially impossible to prioritize doctor visits.

Others face language barriers, lack transportation, or fear medical bills they can’t afford.

And let’s be honest.

Many simply don’t trust a system that has historically overlooked them.

Finally, without early detection, treatable conditions spiral into life-threatening illnesses.

And, if we don’t change the way preventative care is delivered, we’ll keep seeing avoidable suffering in my communities.

So, what are you gonna do about it? Yeah, you.

If the healthcare system was a restaurant.

Hispanics would be handed a menu in the wrong language, with food that doesn’t reflect their needs.

But what if we flipped the script?

Instead of expecting Hispanic patients to navigate a rigid, outdated system.

We need to bring healthcare to where they already are.

Such as preventative screenings shouldn’t be confined to hospitals and clinics.

What about making mobile health units?

• Churches
• Grocery stores

Workplaces would give people real access to early detection and wellness checks.

Isn’t that cool and preventive?

Bilingual and bicultural providers could change the way Hispanic patients experience care.

Replacing confusion and mistrust with comfort and understanding.

More flexible appointment hours and affordable options would remove barriers that keep people from seeking care.

A single missed paycheck shouldn’t mean missing a life-saving screening.

Right?

So, in my humble opinion.

When preventative care is designed with Hispanics in mind, which has never been done.

Participation increases, outcomes improve, and lives are saved.

Isn’t this what we all want in our healthcare system?

This is easy to explain, and here it is.

Imagine walking into a doctor’s office where no one speaks your language.

The forms are confusing, and the provider rushes through the visit without making eye contact.

Would you go back?

The answer is probably NOT. And guess what?

This is the reality for many in my community. Oh, and this is not about access; it’s about trust.

Too many have deep-rooted mistrust in the healthcare system due to negative past experiences.

Let’s just take a look at this example.

Only six percent of U.S. doctors are Hispanic, despite Hispanics making up nearly nineteen+ percent of the country.

Crazy, right?

And that is not all.

Language barriers create confusion, even when translators are available.

What about the medical jargon?

Trust me, it feels overwhelming, and what about rushed appointments leaving people feeling unheard.

Oh, just so you know, this is just the start because there are worse things.

Like the unspoken fear among many immigrant families due to their undocumented status.

I wish I could continue just telling you more and more things, but I made a promise to make this concise and direct to the point.

But I will say one last thing.

If preventative care is NOT designed to feel welcoming, accessible, and culturally relevant, people won’t engage with it.

And that means more preventable diseases will continue to go undiagnosed.

Two Actionable Steps 🌮

Good questions and here is the answer.

Meet patients where they are.

Why?

The biggest barrier to preventative care is NOT lack of awareness; it’s lack of access.

Trust me.

If Hispanic patients can NOT come to the clinic, the clinic simply needs to come to them.

There is no other way around.

Instead of expecting families to take.

• Time off work
• Arrange childcare
• Navigate transportation challenges.

Healthcare leaders can take immediate action by launching.

• Mobile clinics
• Workplace screenings
• Pop-up health events in Hispanic communities.

Here is a great example I can show.

Everything Suvida Healthcare does around all Hispanic neighborhoods.

By setting up educational events and clinics around Hispanic environments.

The result?

Real impact among Hispanic families throughout the country by meeting where they are.

Build trust through representation.

Preventive care is not just about the services that are offered.

It starts with having faith in the providers. Who can understand your culture, language, and life experiences?

That’s why.

Healthcare organizations must contribute to the development of a stronger Hispanic-American healthcare professional workforce.

Because people will always want to be understood and valued.

This means they will see the doctor more frequently, adhere to treatment plans, and return for the next check-up.

I know this is not a quick fix; it’s a slow-cooked strategy, like a good sancocho.

But with this, we are investing in the Hispanic healthcare workforce.

Resulting in a stronger relationships, greater health literacy, and better patient outcomes for future generations.

One Piece of Advice 💃

Ay, caramba!

Preventive care should not be a privilege

But right now, that is exactly what it feels like.

And honestly, the solution isn’t complicated. In fact, it will be an easy fix.

So, let’s make it.

• Accessible.
• Affordable.

And most importantly, we need to make it in a way that Hispanics like me can feel like it was made for us.

Not only does closing this gap save lives, it strengthens families for generations.

So, who’s ready to push for change?

Hasta la vista, amigos ✌🏽

Let’s taco ‘bout this edition