By Virginia Valerio, Mentor Connection Program Coordinator
Mexicans are one of the fastest growing Hispanic groups in New York City, as indicated by a 6.7% yearly rate of population increase from the Latino Population of NYC 2007 report. Mexicans are also the highest to report fair or poor health, lack of health insurance, and the usual source of care as the emergency room. Despite the right of all humans to basic health care, Mexicans in New York City face numerous challenges to high quality health.
Statistics show that New York City Mexicans are almost five times less likely to have health insurance than all New Yorkers, and almost three times less likely than other Hispanics. What are contributors to having no health insurance? Many Mexicans are undocumented, have recently arrived from Mexico, or are employed in low-wage jobs that are less likely to provide any health insurance. Having no health insurance means that many Mexicans will face expensive health fees when trying to see a physician for preventative care (e.g. annual physical). It is easy to understand why Mexicans cite usual source of care as emergency room since they have no health insurance and are probably not going to see a doctor until the need presents itself in an emergency.
Another factor that contributes to poor quality health is high household density. High household density is the number of occupants per room or square foot, and is associated with lower health outcomes. The cost of living in New York City is extremely high so many immigrants are forced to live in crowded conditions to help contribute to rent. “High household density increases exposure to communicable diseases, psychological distress in adults, and poor long-term health in children.” Many undocumented Mexican immigrants, especially who do not speak English and are food insecure, live in high density conditions. Good judgment determines that it is in the best interest of our communities to control the spread of infectious and communicable diseases by allowing access to basic primary care for the undocumented.
Medical and Health Research Association of New York City, Inc published a study that addressed health concerns for Mexicans in New York City. They stated that “this study of a specific population subgroup, Mexicans in New York City, was undertaken as an important step in serving our target populations by gaining a better understanding of their health needs.” In the article, they described sources of stress faced by Mexican communities in New York City which included “ overcrowded, and unaffordable housing, frequent moves, job instability, long working hours, low pay, depression, loneliness and isolation flowing from separation from family and other support networks, fear of being discovered and deported (if undocumented), and language barriers.” These high risk factors may contribute to illness and/or poor health among New York Mexicans.
Mexicans are one of the largest growing Hispanic group in New York City, but are facing many barriers to quality health. Lack of health insurance is a serious concern because people tend not to seek costly preventative care as indicated by emergency room visits. The alarming statistics demonstrate that much work remains to be done to ensure that Mexicans in New York City have adequate health access and health care.
I'm interested in the possible solutions to this present issue. Taking the language barrier and obvious lack of trust into consideration, even if the city had discovered some loophole to fund a project like free clinical care for Mexicans, getting them to arrive will prove to be difficult. Essentially, the people who need the most help, like the undocumented immigrants, won't believe in such an institution so aside from finding the necessary budget, finding a means of communication is also necessary. NYC is placed in a difficult situation.
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