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As Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15, Fidelis Care joins New York State and the nation in celebrating the rich cultural heritage, contributions, and resilience of the Hispanic community. Hispanic Heritage Month reflects my culture, family, and joy. That’s what I experienced as a child in the Dominican Republic and embrace today. I am proud of my heritage, and work to educate and empower my children to be proud of who they are and what they represent. I consider the month a celebration of my authentic self.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through October 15, we reflect on the strides made, yet also recognize the ongoing health disparities that impact our diverse and dynamic population. Despite our remarkable contributions to society, Hispanics encounter significant disparities in accessing quality healthcare and achieving the best health outcomes.

Our community faces many challenges that require attention and action, including:

• Healthcare Access and Use: Hispanics often face barriers to accessing healthcare because of factors such as language barriers, lack of health insurance, and limited awareness of services.
• Chronic Conditions: Rates of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are higher among Hispanics, leading to a rise of preventable health issues.
• Maternal and Child Health: Hispanic Americans have a higher rate of preterm births, low birth weights, and infant mortality.
• Mental Health: Stigmas around mental health and a lack of mental healthcare to which Hispanics can relate contribute to lower rates of seeking and receiving mental health support.
• Cancer: Hispanic Americans face disparities in cancer prevention, screening, and treatment, leading to higher mortality rates from certain types of cancer.
• Vaccinations: Vaccination rates within the Hispanic community have often fallen behind the national average, leading to increased risk during infectious disease outbreaks.

These health disparities are often rooted in social determinants of health, which are the conditions in which people are born, grow up, live, work, and age. Economic stability, education, access to healthcare, food insecurity, housing, transportation, and social support systems play a crucial role in shaping health outcomes. Addressing these determinants is essential to reducing health disparities within the Hispanic population.

I am proud to work for a company that recognizes healthcare disparities and makes efforts to address them. We are committed to making a difference by offering:

• Culturally tailored services: We offer culturally sensitive healthcare resources, educational materials, and multilingual customer support to ensure that our Hispanic members can access and understand their healthcare options.
• Community outreach and education: We actively engage with Hispanic communities through health fairs, workshops, and partnerships to raise awareness about preventive care, healthy living, and available healthcare services.
• Diverse provider networks: We collaborate with healthcare providers who understand and respect the cultural nuances of the Hispanic community, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all.
• Advocacy and policy support: We advocate for policies that address health disparities and promote health equity at local, state, and national levels.

Hispanic Heritage Month offers an opportunity to celebrate the cultural richness of Hispanic Americans while recognizing and addressing the unique healthcare challenges that we face. Fidelis Care is committed to promoting health equity and delivering culturally sensitive care to every one of our members. By prioritizing access to healthcare and addressing social determinants of health, we can build a healthier and more inclusive future for the Hispanic community and beyond.