Tulsa, Oklahoma – In 2016, Harvard University published a study that found that healthcare misconceptions lost $1.7 billion and almost 2,000 lives.
Uma Tulsa is a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting individuals with both physical and mental health.
Tarsan works to provide accessible healthcare for everyone
They said that about 70% of the people they help have never been to the doctor's office for more than a year – mainly due to the language barriers faced by many.
They decided to host 918 Health Fair, which offers free mammograms, physics and health resources.
Lorena Zuaznabar is a volunteer at Uma Tulsa, but faces her own issues with access to healthcare.
“For me, it took a lot of effort to get used to the language,” she said.
Zuaznabar knows firsthand that you can't have the right health care and why keeping up with your body is so important.
“One of the biggest issues we have worldwide is cancer,” she said. “It's one of the most serious illnesses we deal with. I got through it with my mother.”
Zuaznabar said another issue affecting Hispanic and Latino communities is financial issues, particularly with regard to health insurance.
“I don't have it,” said Malidis Johanna Suarez. “In many cases, we don't know anything about it, or they're just too expensive.”
“Everything you have to do at work or around the house is not spent time on health. That's very important. Without health, there's nothing.”
She told her to make sure that during the bill and her basic needs are met, she cannot afford health insurance.
According to the City of Tulsa Equality Index Report, the proportion of white talusans with health insurance is 32% higher than Hispanic and Latinx talusans.
Fran Trujillo of Trujillo Medical hopes to bridge the gap between access to quality healthcare in Hispanic and Latino communities.
“I was an immigrant and grew up as an undocumented child with a lack of health insurance. I remember not being able to access health care,” she said.
“I provide low-cost primary care to uninsured patients in the community,” Trujillo said. “I'm currently insured and handling the insurance and allowing people who aren't insured. You know, I know there are high amounts and deductions in places where they have access to quality care.”
Community members like Suarez and Zuaznabalu are grateful for the path Tulsa people are making to provide better healthcare access to everyone.
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