Brief Summary
This webinar focuses on the disproportionate impact of systemic racism and other inequities on the health and well-being of Latinos in the United States, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The speakers discuss the social determinants of health that contribute to these disparities, including poverty, lack of health insurance, language barriers, and over-representation in dangerous frontline worker jobs. They also highlight the importance of culturally relevant healthcare, data collection, and community-based solutions to address these issues.
- Latinos are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, with higher rates of infection, hospitalization, and death compared to other racial groups.
- Systemic racism and discrimination contribute to these disparities, creating barriers to healthcare access and impacting mental health.
- The speakers emphasize the need for universal healthcare coverage, particularly for children, and the importance of culturally sensitive care models like Sanitas Medical Centers.
- They also discuss the importance of accurate data collection, community health workers, and culturally appropriate communication strategies to address health disparities.
Introduction
Sherry Crew, Director of Communications at the National Institute for Healthcare Management Foundation (NIHCM), introduces the webinar, highlighting the critical topic of systemic racism and its impact on Latino health. She emphasizes the need for actionable solutions to address these issues, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Impact of Racism and Inequity on Latino Health
Dr. Lisa Kakari Stone, Associate Professor of Health Policy at the University of New Mexico, provides an overview of how racism and other forms of inequity affect the health of Latinos in the United States. She highlights the diversity of the Latino population and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on this group. Dr. Stone discusses the social determinants of health that contribute to these disparities, including poverty, lack of health insurance, language barriers, and over-representation in dangerous frontline worker jobs. She also emphasizes the importance of addressing structural racism and discrimination, which have a cumulative and chronic impact on multiple generations of families.
Addressing Health Disparities: A Call for Inclusion
Dr. Jane Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, discusses the importance of inclusion and accurate data in addressing health disparities among Latinos. She highlights the lack of representation of Latinos in research and clinical trials, leading to inaccurate data and assumptions about their health needs. Dr. Delgado emphasizes the need for culturally relevant healthcare, including mental health services, and the importance of community health workers in building trust and providing culturally appropriate care.
Florida Blue's Innovative Strategies for Latino Health
Juan Chalú, Vice President of Commercial Market Analytics and Chief Financial Officer at Florida Blue, shares Florida Blue's innovative strategies for addressing the needs of the Hispanic community in Florida. He highlights the Sanitas Medical Centers, a partnership between Florida Blue and Sanitas, an international organization headquartered in Colombia, that provides culturally relevant primary care services to Latinos. Chalú emphasizes the importance of convenient access to healthcare, culturally sensitive care models, and community support in addressing health disparities. He also discusses Florida Blue's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the expansion of virtual care services and the designation of specific locations for COVID-19 testing and treatment.
Q&A: Addressing Flu Vaccination and COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
The panelists address questions from the audience, focusing on strategies to increase flu vaccination rates and address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Hispanic communities. Chalú highlights Florida Blue's efforts to provide free flu shots, including drive-through clinics and reward programs. Dr. Delgado emphasizes the importance of accurate data and representation of Latinos in vaccine development and clinical trials. She also stresses the need for culturally appropriate communication strategies to address concerns and build trust.
Q&A: Data Collection and Terminology
The panelists discuss the importance of accurate data collection and the use of appropriate terminology when referring to Latinos. Dr. Stone highlights the need for data collection by race, ethnicity, and sub-populations to better understand the impact of health disparities. Dr. Delgado emphasizes that while terminology is important, it is more crucial to focus on providing culturally relevant care and addressing the needs of the community.
