Open AccessProviding Health Care to Latino Immigrants: Community-Based Efforts in the Rural Midwest
Author(s) -
Michelle Casey,
Lynn A. Blewett,
Kathleen Thiede Call
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.94.10.1709
Subject(s) - immigration , health care , public health , safety net , health insurance , environmental health , economic growth , medicine , business , gerontology , nursing , political science , law , economics
We examined case studies of 3 rural Midwestern communities to assess local health care systems' response to rapidly growing Latino populations. Currently, clinics provide free or low-cost care, and schools, public health, social services, and religious organizations connect Latinos to the health care system. However, many unmet health care needs result from lack of health insurance, limited income, and linguistic and cultural barriers. Targeted safety net funding would help meet Latino health care needs in rural communities with limited resources.