Student Name
Capella University
NURS-FPX 6618 Leadership in Care Coordination
Prof. Name
Date
Mobilizing Healthcare for an Immigrant Population
Approximately 14% of the United States residents belong to a foreign nation, encompassing diverse cultural backgrounds, which contribute to their strengths and weaknesses while residing in the U.S. However, many immigrants may require additional healthcare services to address their health issues. This paper will interchangeably examine the Mexican population, commonly referred to as Hispanics or Latinos.
Rationale for Addressing the Healthcare Needs of a Specific Immigrant Population
Mexico has been the primary source of immigrants to the United States, with an estimated 10.7 million individuals from Mexico in 2021, constituting about 24% of the immigrant population (American Immigration Council, 2021). These immigrants face challenges in accessing healthcare services due to their negative experiences with the U.S. healthcare system.
The surge in Mexican immigrants can be traced back to the 1900s, driven by a robust U.S. economy. Undocumented immigrants are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, and the extent of this expansion has been documented (The Library of Congress, n.d.).
Selection Criteria
This population was chosen based on extensive research into the immigrant population in the U.S., emphasizing its significant contribution. Socioeconomic and health status were also considered during the selection process.
Assessing Healthcare Needs
Efficiently assessing the healthcare needs of these immigrant populations involves utilizing the SWOT analysis. The SWOT analysis helps identify the population’s threats, weaknesses, and strengths. Weaknesses among Hispanic immigrants often include difficulties in accessing healthcare due to a lack of insurance, language barriers, and stigma-related discrimination (National Alliance on Mental Illness, n.d.).
Strengths lie in the cultural emphasis on family, with families playing a crucial role in supporting members in need (Canún, 2022). Opportunities for these immigrants include seeking legal status and insurance, but threats include healthcare facilities refusing to treat undocumented patients and deportation.
Characteristics Defining the Population
As the largest group of immigrants in the U.S., these individuals are typically young, face language barriers, and have lower educational attainment. Most are Mexican men, with a median age of approximately 37. Only 5% have a degree, and about 60% have education levels below high school (American Immigration Council, 2021).
Cultural characteristics include a strong emphasis on family, Spanish language, and Christianity. Fatalistic beliefs may hinder participation in screening tests (Gast et al., 2017). Acculturation levels impact decision-making dynamics within families.
Identifying Organizations & Stakeholders
The Mexican Section of the U.S./Mexico Border Health Commission’s initiative, Juntos por la Salud (JPLS), and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (NAHH) are crucial organizations addressing healthcare needs for Hispanics. Collaboration between healthcare professionals, nurses, policymakers, interpreters, and these organizations is vital for providing comprehensive care.
Interpreting Current Organizational Policies for Healthcare Provision
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), undocumented immigrants cannot access health insurance coverage, but they can purchase private health coverage. Emergency care is provided under Medicaid, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) allow undocumented immigrants access to prescription drugs and primary care (National Immigration Forum, 2022). The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) ensures accessible healthcare services for all communities, irrespective of financial and legal situations (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, n.d.).
Assumptions & Biases Associated
Cultural variables such as acculturation levels and fatalistic beliefs must be addressed when analyzing access to care. Spirituality, marital status, and language proficiency are crucial factors influencing healthcare access.
Evaluating Two U.S. Health Care Policies
The Affordable Care Act enhances healthcare insurance coverage for Hispanic and Latino communities, making it more affordable. However, undocumented individuals remain ineligible. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) regulates health provision services, ensuring hospitals cannot refuse treatment to patients.
Conclusion
This paper analyzes the healthcare challenges faced by undocumented Mexican communities, emphasizing cultural values. Collaboration between stakeholders and organizations is essential to overcoming obstacles related to cultural factors, communication, and discrimination, ultimately providing accessible care.
References
American Immigration Council. (2021). Immigrants in the United States. https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/immigrants-in-the-united-states
Bustamante, A. V., McKenna, R. M., Viana, J., Ortega, A. N., & Chen, J. (2018). Access-to-care differences between Mexican heritage and other Latinos in California after the affordable care act. Health Affairs, 37(9), 1400–1408. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2018.0416
Canún, N. (2022, January 18). The Powerful Role of Family in Hispanic Culture [Unlike U.S. Culture]. Homeschool Spanish Academy. https://www.spanish.academy/blog/the-powerful-role-of-family-in-hispanic-culture-unlike-u-s-culture/
NURS FPX 6618 Assessment 2 Mobilizing Care For An Immigrant Population
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA) | CMS. https://www.cms.gov/regulations-and-guidance/legislation/emtala
Gast, J., Peak, T., & Hunt, A. (2017). Latino health behavior: An exploratory analysis of health risk and health protective factors in a community sample. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 14(1), 97–106. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827617716613
National Immigration Forum. (2022, September 21). Fact Sheet: Undocumented Immigrants and Federal Health Care Benefits. https://immigrationforum.org/article/fact-sheet-undocumented-immigrants-and-federal-health-care-benefits/
Rangel Gómez, M. G., López Jaramillo, A. M., Svarch, A., Tonda, J., Lara, J., Anderson, E. J., & Rosales, C. (2019). Together for health: An initiative to access health services for the Hispanic/Mexican population living in the United States. Frontiers in Public Health, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00273
NURS FPX 6618 Assessment 2 Mobilizing Care For An Immigrant Population
The Office of Minority Health. (n.d.). National Alliance for Hispanic Health – The Office of Minority Health. https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/content.aspx?ID=9142
The Library of Congress. (n.d.). A Growing Community | Mexican | Immigration, and Relocation in U.S. History | Classroom Materials at the Library of Congress | Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/immigration/mexican/a-growing-community