Supporting Hispanic health outcomes in Rhode Island

The Hispanic population in Rhode Island faces challenges in accessing culturally competent care. One study found that 22.8% of Hispanic Rhode Islanders reported not seeking medical or dental care.¹ A 2021 report conducted by the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island highlights how the state’s behavioral health care workforce does not adequately reflect the racial, cultural and ethnic diversity of its population.² According to the report, nearly 99% of providers spoke English in a professional setting, while only 8% were proficient in Spanish. In addition to this linguistic and behavioral health care gap, the Latino community’s challenges are exacerbated by factors such as immigration status and the stigmatization of mental health issues.

Supporting Hispanic health outcomes

In response to these challenges, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Rhode Island has made strategic investments in several Hispanic organizations dedicated to improving health outcomes for the state’s Latino population.

Recognizing the importance of economic empowerment and community support, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Rhode Island invested $10K in the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. This organization plays a pivotal role in supporting Hispanic-owned businesses, creating employment opportunities and providing access to signature events such as the Latino Financial Summit, Latino Contractor Summit and Latina Woman in Business. These initiatives are essential for fostering economic growth within the Hispanic community.

Health literacy is a critical component of achieving better health outcomes. To bridge the health literacy gap in the Hispanic community, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Rhode Island invested $5K in the podcast "Nuestra Salud con el Dr. Pablo Rodríguez." Recognized as one of the "Top 100 Spanish Language Podcasts,” Nuestra Salud is the first and only Spanish health podcast in Rhode Island. Dr. Pablo Rodríguez, the podcast's host, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Inadequate health literacy adds $106-238 billion to health care costs in this country. We are proud that our efforts at improving health literacy are being recognized. It is in everyone’s interest to address this social driver of health."The health plan's investment will enable the incorporation of artificial intelligence translation services, which will allow for a wider range of topics and interviews from English-speaking guests.

The health plan has also invested $1K in the Latino Policy Institute to support its Mental Health Pipeline Project. This initiative is focused on identifying and addressing gaps within the mental and behavioral health workforce that affect both providers and students. By supporting this project, the health plan is helping to ensure a more diverse and representative workforce that can better meet the needs of Rhode Island's Hispanic population.

The health plan has additionally recognized the needs of individuals diagnosed with cancer. A $500 investment was made to Latino Cancer Control Task Force’s Grupo Esperanza, a cancer support group, and its associated retreat. This contribution will help provide much-needed resources to Hispanic cancer patients, ensuring they receive culturally competent care.

Recognizing the importance of childbirth education, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Rhode Island has invested $500 in Doulas Conectadas which supports pregnant individuals by offering bilingual materials that deliver essential information about childbirth. This investment supports the printing of bilingual materials, ensuring that Spanish-speaking families receive the information they need to make informed decisions about their care. Additionally, the funding has facilitated the establishment of an official website with a dedicated domain. This online presence enhances the initiative's reach, allowing more families to access valuable resources and information. The website and print brochures are distributed to community-based organizations and health care providers, broadening the impact of Doulas Conectadas across the state.

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Rhode Island’s investment in these organizations is part of its broader commitment to improve health outcomes for the Hispanic community. By supporting initiatives that focus on employment opportunities, health literacy, behavioral health workforce development, cancer support and childbirth education, the health plan is working to create a healthier, more equitable future for Hispanic residents in Rhode Island.