HSAC Forum Report 091599 - Laserfiche WebLink

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F)uilding "Con ianza" These cultural differences provide unique challenges for service providers. Latinos feel most comfortable within the context of personal relationships. The authority of the Catholic ( Church is also very important to most Hispanic/Latinos. Consideration must be shown for the varied backgrounds of recent immigrants to this area. Some may have come from regions with inefficient or repressive governments and police forces. Others may fear the authorities because of uncertain legal immigration status. It is essential not to stereotype: individuals have highly varying degrees of education and social class. Perhaps most importantly, communication in Spanish is crucial to reach out to the Hispanic/Latino community. �.,.. ., . ..... ..r. .�_s._ "While local health departments may be taking the br -ant of the Hispanic/Latino influx, ... Hospitals — particularly in rural areas — are seeing their emergency rooms iniuldated with relative newcomers who can't speak English." from handout "Failure to Communicate?" bi, Joanne Scharer Community activist Mamicio Castro facilitated spoken testimonies by actual residents of Orange County in a new forum segment. Guadelupe Ariza spoke through an interpreter about the difficulties involved in obtaining health care from English - speaking medical professional. She also noted differences in the official treatment of children born within and outside the United States. Ana Valencia also spoke through an interpreter about her experiences trying to register her child for school. Castro noted that not only bilingual teachers are needed but also nurses, family specialists, counselors, and psychologists. Children are not only facing a new language but also a new culture and environment. Adults also have educational needs, especially in the area of English as a Second Language (ESL). Perhaps the most poignant moment of the forum came as fourth-grader Elizabeth Terrazes read a description of her educational experiences in both English and Spanish. Before learning English, she felt embarrassed and isolated. She received a resounding ovation from the audience. Demetrio Villaneuva discussed the difficulties of working in Orange County while trying to procure childcare. The cost of childcare was very high and transportation was a big issue. Bus schedules with regular, reduced, and summer services were "very scary." He stressed the importance of providing information in accessibile places to new residents during "Most common complaints from Latino Nvorkers: 1. Failure of employers to pay for work performed. 2. Compensation such as medical expenses and lost wages in not provided for j ob- related in j iuries. 3. Overtime not provided for ho-ars worked over 40 a week. 4. Fail-Lire of employers to pay minimlun wage." — Matulcio Castro their first few weeks in the area. Castro talked about the dangers of the workplace for many Hispanic/Latino employees. They are disproportionately more likely to be injured or killed on the job than whites or African Americans. Many use equipment or chemicals they are not trained 5