Push # for Spanish

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In the vicinity of the campus duck pond, within Montana State University’s Mark and Robyn Jones School of Nursing, lies the Moyce Immigrant Health Lab, an area devoid of microscopes, latex, and goggles. This space is alternatively referred to as Proyecto SALUD, which stands for “Scientists And Latinos United against Disparities,” and also translates to “health project” in Spanish.

Assistant Professor Dr. Sally Moyce established the lab, which comprises a diverse team of researchers, with the aim of tackling health inequalities prevalent in the Latino community residing in Gallatin County. Over the past decade, the Latino or Hispanic population in Gallatin County has experienced a striking surge, as indicated by a notable 138.7% rise recorded in the census data between 2010 and 2020.

After having previous experience working with Latino immigrants in Oregon and California, Moyce recognized a need when she relocated to Bozeman.

“In my email, I expressed my observation about the lack of Spanish-language services and resources after relocating here. Recognizing the community’s requirement for fundamental preventive healthcare and accessible health services, I envisioned the Immigrant Health Lab as a collaborative space for students and researchers sharing similar interests to collaborate and discover solutions.”

The MSU researchers are collecting information on healthcare requirements within the Latino immigrant community through health fairs, surveys, and community advisory boards.

The objective is to utilize the data in collaboration with healthcare providers Community Health Partners and Bozeman Health, along with other local organizations, in order to promote greater health awareness and improve accessibility for Spanish-speaking immigrants.

Danika Comey, the lead researcher of the lab, expressed the importance of collaborating with representatives from the immigrant community. She highlighted the significance of seeking their guidance on research priorities and where the team should invest their efforts and resources. Comey emphasized the need to avoid assuming that they know what the community needs, particularly as white researchers.

Carlos Medina, originally from Mexico, relocated to Bozeman in 2020 along with his family. Currently, he serves as a community representative on the Bozeman Community Advisory Board. Medina, together with fellow board members, convenes on a monthly basis to address the health requirements of the Latino community in Spanish. They subsequently provide updates and insights to Comey and Moyce.

In an email, he expressed, “Having resided in the U.S. for five years, I have observed that the Latino community faces numerous obstacles when it comes to seeking medical assistance from hospitals. These barriers primarily include language barriers, cultural differences, lack of knowledge regarding healthcare policies, and the burden of high insurance expenses. This project holds immense significance as it aims to provide free medical and dental check-ups to individuals, ensuring their access to essential healthcare services. Additionally, it offers opportunities for participation in health programs that can significantly enhance their quality of life, irrespective of their country of origin.”

The lab’s initiatives commenced in 2019, organizing health fairs on a quarterly basis. Each health fair typically sees a turnout of 40 to 50 participants, according to Comey. One of the main attractions at these fairs is the collaboration between Proyecto SALUD and Smiles Across Montana, a mobile dental clinic.

Comey mentioned that nowadays, individuals eagerly await the opening of our health fair, and all the dental appointments get booked within the initial hour.

During the fair, Comey mentioned that attendees have the opportunity to undergo diabetes and high blood pressure tests, receive vaccines from the Gallatin City-County Health Department, as well as gain knowledge about the local food bank. Moreover, participants are provided with a survey as part of the lab’s data collection process, where they are asked about their living situation, employment status, proficiency in English, educational background, and most importantly, their health insurance coverage.

The surveys reveal that a staggering 83% of individuals attending the health fair lack health insurance. Genesis Chavez, an altruistic lab volunteer hailing from Nicaragua, highlights that there are numerous factors contributing to this absence of coverage.

Chavez expressed that insurance costs in the country are quite high, making it unaffordable for many individuals. He emphasized the complexity associated with insurance. Chavez suggested that if there are alternatives to aid and offer free healthcare to those who truly require it, they should be implemented.

According to Comey, undocumented migrants face a distinct level of fear due to their lack of legal documentation to reside in the country.

Comey expressed concerns about the apprehension one might feel while entering a more bureaucratic system. Will you be reported if they discover your lack of authorization to work in the United States? Will you encounter discrimination? Upon arrival, will the front desk personnel react dismissively when you begin speaking Spanish?

Another significant challenge faced by migrants whose primary language is Spanish is the scarcity of healthcare providers who are proficient in reading or speaking Spanish. According to surveys conducted by Proyecto SALUD, 64% of participants rated their English-speaking skills as “poor.”

As you enter a more bureaucratic system, apprehension arises. Will they report you upon discovering your unauthorized employment in the United States? Will you encounter discrimination?

Danika Comey, the lab’s lead researcher

Comey, a former employee of Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, expressed how the entire process is quite challenging. “Right from the moment individuals step through the door, they face numerous language barriers. Even something as basic as directional signs and finding the office becomes a hurdle.”

According to Comey, health care providers in the region are making efforts to enhance their Spanish resources, although she noted that progress is happening at a sluggish pace. Bozeman Health’s spokesperson revealed that the hospital received an average of “18 interpretation calls per day in Spanish” in 2022. To address language barriers, the hospital introduced iPads with translation capabilities and is currently working on establishing a dedicated Spanish number for its call center. Additionally, they have provided grants to Proyecto SALUD for health fairs and engaged in other initiatives.

Everything is in Spanish for Proyecto SALUD. Volunteers go as far as reading the surveys aloud for individuals who may not feel at ease reading them.

Transportation is identified as an additional obstacle to healthcare accessibility. Over half of the participants surveyed at health fairs reported being employed in the construction industry, with a significant number of these jobs located in Big Sky, requiring a one-hour commute.

Comey explained that individuals who work six days a week, with Sunday being their only day off, for 12 hours a day, are unable to access traditional health care services. As a result, health fairs are consistently scheduled on Sundays.

In addition to organizing fairs, Proyecto SALUD has initiated various other programs, aiming to expand its reach and encompass mental health as well.

According to Moyce’s statement, we inquired about the community advisory board’s top concern, to which they highlighted mental health. As a result, we conducted an in-depth investigation to identify the underlying causes contributing to the population’s mental health challenges. Our findings revealed that the absence of Spanish-speaking healthcare providers, coupled with a prevailing stigma surrounding the pursuit of mental health treatment, were the primary issues.

In order to overcome these challenges, the researchers have initiated two distinct projects. The first project involves a study that focuses on health workers utilizing a technique known as “motivational interviewing.” This counseling approach aims to guide immigrants in making positive changes in their own lives, mindset, and overall health, rather than simply instructing them.

Moyce wrote that the intervention, which was successful when delivered over the phone, has prompted us to seek funding for testing it on a larger scale.

Last autumn, Mujeres Unidas, also known as “Women United,” was launched as a separate initiative. This project brought together a group of ten women who regularly gathered to discuss and acquire knowledge on various aspects related to health.

Isabel Romero, a Peruvian graduate student pursuing her master’s degree in counseling at MSU, took charge of the mental health-focused portions of the group.

Romero explained, “My contribution involved teaching stress management techniques and explaining the concept of stress, as well as its physiological effects on our bodies. Essentially, it was an interactive discussion with the participants.”

Romero emphasized that the purposeful nature of the meetings is to foster informality and collaboration.

Romero emphasized the immense power of conversation in the healing process. Simply engaging in dialogue and actively listening to people’s stories, particularly those shared by fellow women, fosters a strong sense of community. Romero firmly believes that this communal bond is the initial and fundamental form of mental health support one can receive.

Chavez, a newly recruited resource coordinator for Community Health Partners, highlighted a distinctive obstacle faced by certain immigrants from South American nations when it comes to mental health.

Chavez explained that the motivation for immigration among certain individuals stems from the lack of opportunities in their home country. Consequently, they face numerous difficulties and are compelled to seek better prospects elsewhere. In this new environment, they adopt a mindset of refraining from complaining, as they acknowledge that their previous living conditions were even more unfavorable.

The researchers are aiming to further tackle stigma and raise awareness through the Mujeres Unidas project, by enlisting two additional groups of women. Additionally, they will gather feedback at the upcoming health fair to determine participants’ preferences and desires for future improvements. The event is scheduled to take place at the county fairgrounds on Sunday, Feb. 12. The researchers are continuously seeking Spanish-speaking volunteers.