How Political Rhetoric Affects Immigrants’ Ability to Access Health Care
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“The Community Is Terrified”: How Political Rhetoric Affects Immigrants’ Ability to Access Health Care

Undocumented immigrants struggle when they need to access medical care. “Undocumented immigrants don’t have access to insurance; they can’t buy insurance through the marketplace,” says Mayra Casas Jackson, Executive Director of the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center (IRLC). They are not eligible for Medicaid either. That means they must pay out of pocket for every…

Community Health Workers offer Support for Immigrants
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Built Environment: Isolation and Support of Immigrants

When immigrants move to a new country, they tend to settle in a neighborhood where immigrants from their country of origin have already built a community. Think about the various Chinatowns and Little Italy neighborhoods in many American cities. Chicago’s neighborhoods represent some good examples. Pilsen originally was home to Czech immigrants; Andersonville provided a…

Social Drivers of Health and Immigration
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Social Drivers and Immigration: How Life Circumstances Affect Health

Did you know that having a playground in your neighborhood could affect the health of people who live there? The amount of education you receive? Whether you have a strong community who will support you if you need help? The social drivers of health (SDoH) are factors that affect health. The five SDoH domains are…

Your Donation Dollars Support Community Health
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Your Donation Dollars Support Community Health

As we approach the holiday season, many of us anticipate gatherings with loved ones. We look forward to showing care and appreciation for family and friends through sharing time, food and perhaps even gifts. Many of us will also reflect on our charitable giving over the past year. Have we done enough to support the…

Voting our Community Health Values: Election Day is Around the Corner
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Voting our Community Health Values: Election Day is Around the Corner

Election Day is Tuesday November 5th, and polls will be open that day 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For those of us who care about community health, this year’s election offers many opportunities to weigh in on the issues that matter to us in southwest Ohio and throughout the state.  In Hamilton County we’ll decide…

Reine Kukwikila: How CHWs Help Immigrants Overcome Barriers
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Reine Kukwikila: How CHWs Help Immigrants Overcome Barriers

Reine Kukwikila came to the United States from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her first job upon arriving was at the airport, where she washed dishes. Over time she has become a Community Health Worker (CHW) and supports people throughout southwest Ohio, many of whom are themselves immigrants. Kukwikila knows first-hand the challenges they face. …

Sarah Mills, CEO

PRESS RELEASE: HCAN CEO Departing for New Role 

Health Care Access Now (HCAN) CEO Sarah Mills is leaving HCAN to take on a new role at Partnerships for Advancing Community Health (PACH).  HCAN is dedicated to promoting health equity by addressing the social determinants of health. Through its network of Community Health Workers (CHWs), the organization has been integral to connecting underserved communities…

voter registration health disparities

Community Health Workers: You can address health disparities through voting

Those of us in health care circles already know there are many factors which impact a person’s health. It’s not just about access to insurance or ability to make a doctor’s appointment. Secure housing, access to food, quality education, job status and institutionalized racism are just a few factors which impact a chance at a…