National Council of La Raza: Programs

Hispanic Health Data

Overview

Hispanic Americans represent 13% of the total population or 38 million people. It is reported that by the year 2050, one-quarter of the U.S. population will be Hispanic. Although this community represents the largest racial and ethnic minority in the United States, they are still facing a multitude of challenges that continue to affect their quality of life in this country. Probably the most alarming area is in the field of health. Hispanics are faced with many health challenges including the burden of chronic and infectious diseases and limited access to health care.

Health Barriers

As the United States becomes a more racially diverse nation and specifically with the Hispanic population on the rise, it is imperative that health care systems and providers respond adequately to their patients’ needs, health behaviors, lifestyle, and culture. Failure to respond effectively to the needs of minority communities, such as the Hispanic community, may have severe health consequences.

Poor health for the Hispanic community can be linked to many barriers within the health care system. Studies suggest that lack of health insurance, language, and citizenship are key barriers that prevent many Hispanics from accessing health care services and from receiving quality health care.

Table of Contents

Health Insurance and Citizenship

Uninsured (all ages)

Uninsured Children (18 and under)

Language

Communication Problems

Written Information (Uninsured Adults)

Health Indicators

Major Health Disparities

Leading Causes of Death

Sources
■ American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/CAFF2003HispPwSecured.pdf

■ American Heart Association. www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1046243096100FS05HIS3.pdf

■The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/pdf/nvsr50_16tb2.pdf

■ Doty, Michelle M., Hispanic Patients’ Double Burden: Lack of Health Insurance & Limited English. New York, New York: The Commonwealth Fund, February 2003.

■ Health Coverage in Latino Communities: What’s the Problem & What Can You Do About It? Washington, D.C.: Families USA, September 2001.

■ Schur, Claudia L. and Jacob Feldman, Running in Place: How Job Characteristics, Immigrant Status, & Family Structure Keep Hispanics Uninsured. New York, New York: The Commonwealth Fund, May 2001.

■ U.S. Census Bureau, March 2001 Current Population Survey: Table H101. Health Insurance Coverage Status and Type of Coverage by Selected Characteristics: 2001. http://ferret.bls.census.gov/macro/032002/health/toc.htm