Bridging The Health Care Gap For Many Latinos

SCSU Nursing students teach healthy eating habits at the Spanish Community of Wallingford.

Bill Sarno/CTLatinoNews.com

For many Hispanics living in Connecticut during the 1980s, the health care system care seemed alien and inaccessible, populated by nurses and other providers who did not talk like them, did not understand their culture and did not appreciate their financial barriers.

If a patient could only communicate effectively in Spanish, it might take a little effort but a translator usually could be found among the aides and physicians at a major medical center, such as Hartford Hospital. Or the housekeeping staff might help, recalled one longtime health care provider.

And if she was ...

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“Leukemia, You Messed With The Wrong Guy” – Latino Family Stands Strong In the Face Of Son’s Leukemia Diagnosis

Annika Darling/CTLatinoNews.com

“My name is Christopher (Chris) Nieves and I am from East Hartford, Conn. I am the youngest ‘boy’ of seven children from Militza Nieves (Mami Millie) and Victor Nieves (Trikki Trikki). I am 16 years old, and at 16 years old you should be spending time with friends, enjoying life, and thinking about graduating high school. Cancer never really seems to be something you’re worried about, until now!” – Chris Nieves, Facebook post four days after blood cancer diagnosis.

Until now, Nieves spent his free time working as the muscle (assembly guy) at a family-owned DJ and sound rental business — Bulldog Audio DJs – where he ...

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Latino And Black Caucus Look For Legislative Solution To Address Health Care Disparities

Rep. Morris, Chairman of the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus Photo Connecticut House Democrats - CT.govcredit:

Rep. Bruce Morris, Chairman of the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus Photo Credit: Connecticut House Democrats

Bill Sarno/CTLatinoNews.com

The movement to eliminate health care disparities in Connecticut hit a speed bump during the last legislative seession when funding for the Commission on Health Equity (CHE) was sacrificed due to the state budget crunch.

However, state Rep. Hilda Santiago (D-24) and other members of the legislature’s Black and Puerto Rican Caucus want to work to revive the agency during the 2017 session. The Meriden Democrat is vice-chairperson of the caucus and also was appointed to serve with the health care commission.

“We never had the opportunity to get this off ...

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