ARTICLE - AHJ00001

Anthropology & Health Journal - AHJ
No 1. Published in October 2008 (eISSN 2011-5776)
Copyright © 2008 Anthropology & Heath Journal & Syllaba Press. All rights reserved.
“Just Because You Don’t Have Papers, Doesn’t Mean You Won’t Get Sick”
Health Care Experiences of Latinos in Mount Pleasant, Washington, D.C.

Claire F. Selsky, M.A.
Independent Researcher. M.A., Latin American Studies, The George Washington University.
ABSTRACT: Today, there are approximately 45,000 Latin American immigrants living in Washington, D.C. The largest number of these immigrants come from Central America as illegal immigrants who are monolingual in Spanish, uneducated and economically disadvantaged. While their citizenship status, education and economic levels affect their experiences with the United States health care system, cultural factors also play a significant role. This article examines how Latino immigrants in Washington, D.C. experience and navigate the U.S. health care system.

Personal experiences with the health care system in Washington, D.C. illuminate the common themes of displacement; family separation; lack of access to health care or perceived lack of access to health care; and cultural, social and economic barriers to health care for the underserved Latino population. Insights from local Latinoserving health care providers detail the challenges that providers face in serving this population. The article concludes with suggestions about what providers and community members can do to improve health experiences and outcomes for Latino immigrants. Copyright © 2008 Anthropology & Heath Journal & Syllaba Press. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Latino, Health, Washington D.C., Medical Anthropology.

RESUMEN: Hoy en día, hay aproximadamente 45,000 inmigrantes latinoamericanos viviendo en Washington, D.C. La gran mayoría de estos inmigrantes entran ilegalmente de Centroamérica; sin educación, hablando solamente español, y con desventajas económicas. Mientras sus estatus legales, niveles de educación y económicos afectan sus experiencias dentro del sistema de salud estadounidense, los factores culturales también juegan un papel importante. Este artículo investiga la manera que los inmigrantes latinos en Washington, D.C. entienden y navegan por el sistema de salud.

Las experiencias personales con el sistema de salud en Washington, D.C. iluminan temas comunes como el desplazamiento; la separación familiar; la falta de acceso a atención médica o la percepción de aquella falta; y los obstáculos culturales, sociales y económicos que se presentan a la atención médica para la comunidad latina. Proveedores de salud locales que atienden a los latinos detallan los desafíos que ellos enfrentan cuando sirven a esta comunidad. La conclusión del artículo presenta sugerencias sobre lo que pueden hacer los proveedores de salud y miembros de la comunidad para mejorar las experiencias y resultados para inmigrantes latinos. Copyright © 2008 Anthropology & Heath Journal & Syllaba Press. All rights reserved.

Palabras claves: Latino, Salud, Washington D.C., Antropología Médica.

REFERENCES
How to cite this article:
Claire F. Selsky, M.A. “Just Because You Don’t Have Papers, Doesn’t Mean You Won’t Get Sick” Health Care Experiences of Latinos in Mount Pleasant, Washington, D.C. Anthrop & H. J 2008;1:7-15
How to cite this URL:
Claire F. Selsky, M.A. “Just Because You Don’t Have Papers, Doesn’t Mean You Won’t Get Sick” Health Care Experiences of Latinos in Mount Pleasant, Washington, D.C. Anthrop & H. J [serial online] 2008 [cited 2008 Oct 9];1:7-15. Available from: http://www.ahj.syllabapress.com/issues/ahj00001.html

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Claire F. Selsky. M.A., Latin American Studies. The George Washington University 1923 35th Place NW Apt. 4, Washington, D.C. 20007, USA. Email address: CFS25@Georgetown.edu