Supporting Minority Communities In Texas

April is National Minority Health Month, which sheds light on some of the challenges these communities face and how we can help solve them. This is especially important in Texas, where minority groups make up most of the state’s population. We are home to 39 million people, but only 40% are White. Another 40% of our residents are Hispanic, 12% are Black, and 5% are Asian. A large group of Texans (35%) also speak a language other than English at home. 

At Innovista Medical Center, we work hard to support the minority communities that make our state so interesting and diverse. Our goal is to make health care as convenient, comfortable, and accessible as possible.

“We believe that health care should be available to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, and background,” says Innovista Medical Center Medical Director Afreen Pappa. “We have patients who have settled in Texas from all over the world. We also have providers and staff members from many different countries who speak several different languages. There is a variety of representation in our clinics. We really focus on providing culturally competent care, making sure we are sensitive to everyone’s backgrounds and belief systems.”

Health Challenges Minority Communities Face

Minority communities often face real health challenges. “We have a lot of patients with diabetes, and this is a significant health problem in both Hispanic and Black communities. High blood pressure and obesity are also big issues in many populations,” says Dr. Pappa.

There are several reasons why chronic health problems impact minority communities. Often, these groups may not have had access to regular health care or insurance coverage. Not having access to reliable transportation or high-quality, nutritious food are also common concerns that affect health, as well. 

Additionally, some people may have a hard time getting to the doctor because they can’t get time off from work. So, they simply don’t go, even if they really need to. 

How Innovista Can Help

Innovista strives to go the extra mile when it comes to health care. We make sure all patients feel heard, supported, and cared for every step of the way. Here are some of the things you can expect when you come here:

• Diverse team: Health care isn’t the same for everyone. That’s why we’ve built a diverse group of providers, clinical, and support staff from around the world. Our team members speak more than 16 languages including Spanish, Bengali, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
• Translation services: Our Language Line service connects you and your health care provider with interpreters who speak more than 200 languages. These interpreters are there with you through monitors in the exam room. They make sure all your questions are answered so you leave feeling you receive the best care possible. Your health information is always kept private and protected using these services. We also have a call center team that speaks both English and Spanish. This helps you schedule appointments or ask questions in a language that’s comfortable for you.
• Extended hours: If you have a job that makes it hard to take time off during the day, we offer early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments.
• Post-visit follow-up: Our care doesn’t stop when your appointment ends. If you have a condition you need help managing, we have health coaches and a care coordination team who can check in with you. They can help you understand your medicine, show you how to check your blood sugar, and so much more.
• Chronic condition support: If you have more than one health issue, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, we have a program just for you. Our care coordinators meet with you regularly to make sure you’re managing your conditions well and getting the care you need.
• Easy access to specialists: If you need more specialized care, our Rubicon MD program lets us consult with over 140 specialists, getting answers in as quickly as two hours. This can save you time and the cost of having to go to a specialist’s office to be seen. The best part is that this service is completely free to you.

Live Your Best Life

“There’s nothing more rewarding than having a patient return and hear about how much better they feel,” says Dr. Pappa. “It’s those little moments of gratitude that remind us why we do this work. When people feel heard, supported, and understood, they’re more likely to take charge of their health and live their best life.”

Whether you need help managing chronic conditions, advice on living a healthier lifestyle, or simply a health care provider who listens, Innovista Medical Center is here for you. If you don’t have a provider you see regularly, click here to find one, or call us at 866-325-0301.