HEALTHY PEOPLE 2020 CULTURAL

Using demographic data for your local community or region:

1) Which major ethnic and religious groups are represented in the community in which you live? 20 points

According to the 2010 census, Wichita, Kansas a city with 400,000 people has grown by 11.1 percent in the last 10 years. Hispanic residents have overtaken non-Hispanic black residents as the largest minority group in the past 10 years, followed by African-Americans then non-Hispanic whites. Majority of Hispanic and Latinos are Roman Catholics with a few who are Protestants. Prayer and family are very important to this community in addition to herbal medicines for treatment of common illnesses.

2) Describe the culture and nationality of the surrounding population. 20 points

The ethnic terms Latino or Hispanic refer to a diverse population of Latin American descent that includes many nationalities and races. Latino refers to a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. (cdc.gov). Many Latinos are accustomed to self-treating due to the availability of pharmaceuticals without prescription in their home countries. Obstacles such as illegal immigration statuses contribute to the fear of seeking healthcare.

3) What resources are available to meet their health care needs? 20 points

The City of Wichita has numerous healthcare clinics that serve the uninsured and low income population for a very small fee depending on your income. Most of these clinics have staff fluent in other languages other than English to overcome language barrier that most minority groups face when seeking health care services. Churches around the city organize fundraisers throughout the year and donate proceedings to the free clinics that serve the community. The hospital that I work at as well as other hospitals in the city of Wichita, donate unused medical supplies as well as medications

4) What mechanisms are in place to facilitate access to these services by these groups?

There are also various health fairs throughout the year that target major health issues such as diabetes, heart health and women’s health with the help of healthcare volunteers from the few major hospitals in town such as Via Christi hospitals, Wesley healthcare and Kansas heart Hospitals. My nursing colleagues and other staff at my hospital volunteer throughout the year at Jefferson Elementary school which is located in one of the underserved neighborhoods of Wichita by providing flu shots, shoe and youth wellness education throughout the year as part of our volunteer program.

5) On the basis of the Healthy People 2020 objectives, develop a health education program that uses cultural interventions to promote positive health behaviors for the group.20 points

Hispanics and Latino-Americans are at a higher risk for developing hearth disease such as hypertension and diabetes due to their nutrient rich diets. It important for the educational program to be in Spanish as most of this population only speaks moderate English. It should also be at comfortable place such as churches and community centers for this population as they would feel more comfortable. Educators should remain culture conscious and allow for adequate time for questions and concerns. Printed educational materials and pamphlets to take home for future reference is also a plus.

Reference

P. (2012). U.S. Census Report: Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2011. Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.cfr.org/labor/us-census-report-income-poverty-health-insurance-coverage-united-states-2011/p29026

Healthy People 2020. (n.d.). Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.healthypeople.gov/