LCH Completes WA DOH Study on Covid-19 Perceptions Among Latinx Individuals
Commissioned by the Washington State Department of Health, the Latino Center for Health conducted and completed a qualitative study of 25 telephone interviews with Latinx individuals across Washington state to ascertain their perceptions and attitudes regarding COVID-19 vaccines. One interview question also asked about their perspectives regarding vaccines in general.
Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Latinos in WA State and its Toll on Women
The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the U.S. economy, with Latinos experiencing a disproportionate impact. Latinos represent a large pLroportion of workers in many industries that are essential to the economy. As essential workers, they have faced more exposure to COVID-19, resulting in higher rates of infection and mortality.
Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Latinos in WA State and its Toll on Women
The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the U.S. economy, with Latinos experiencing a disproportionate impact. Latinos represent a large proportion of workers in many industries that are essential to the economy. As essential workers, they have faced more exposure to COVID-19, resulting in higher rates of infection and mortality.
Vaccination Rates Among Washington State’s Latinos are Improving, but Challenges Remain
Overall, the rate of fully vaccinated individuals among Latinos twelve years of age and older in Washington State was 54.6% as of September 29, 2021, up from 40.5% in July (2021), representing a 33.4% increase in the number of vaccinated Latinos (Table 1).
Examining Trusted Sources of COVID-19 Information Among Latinos
Our findings suggest television, social media, and community-based organizations are important channels of information to use to reach Latinos. Television and social media are important channels of information for both English and Spanish speakers. Social media is a particularly important channel for reaching younger Latinos, including those 18 to 30 years of age. It is urgent that new, culturally responsive, and family-centered messaging about vaccinations and the use of facial coverings, social distancing, and hand sanitation be developed and deployed in Spanish and English to reach Latinos throughout WA State in order to stem the rapid spread of COVID-19 and address fears and concerns.
Depression and Anxiety among Latinos: Urgent Call for Mental Health Services
During the pandemic, many Latinos have experienced poverty as well as unemployment, in addition to food and housing insecurities. These stressors have been associated with greater occurrences of mental illness. The COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted these disparities and stressors when accessing mental health care as well as accessing testing and vaccinations. These realities are an urgent concern that warrants strategic attention.
Latino Views on COVID-19 Vaccinations: Understanding Hesitancy
This policy brief addresses COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Sea Mar Community Health Center Latino patients. Although vaccine hesitancy remains an important barrier to vaccinating Latinos/Hispanics in Washington state, most Latinos say they are willing to take the vaccine. In this brief, we share the results of a recent survey and offer recommendations for addressing barriers to the vaccination of Latinos.
Addressing the Need for Culturally Responsive and Bidirectional Research Communication with the Latinx Community
Responding to the need for sustainable academic-community partnerships to address the burden of COVID-19 in Washington State Latinx communities, this project aims to develop an innovative bi-cultural, Bi-directional Research Digital Engagement (BRIDGE) project.
2020 WA State Health Equity for Immigrants Report
In 2018, the undocumented immigrant population in Washington State (WA) was an estimated 240,000 people, or approximately 5.2% of the total WA population. Undocumented individuals have limited access to health insurance options due to eligibility restrictions, leading to high uninsured rates compared to their documented counterparts. As of 2018, an estimated 46% of undocumented individuals were uninsured in WA, compared to just 7% uninsured in the overall population in WA.
Latino Workers’ Experiences with Washington State’s Department of Labor and Industries Healthcare Benefits
Latinos are an increasingly important part of Washington State’s workforce in part due to the population’s age structure and labor force participation rates. Currently, 12.9% of Washington State’s population self-identify as Hispanic or Latino, up from 7.5% in 2000 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2018). Among Latinos in Washington State, the labor force participation rate is 71.5% and the employment-to-population ratio is 64.9% compared with a labor force participation rate of 62.9% and the employment-to-population ratio is 58.8% among non-Hispanic whites. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2017). As of 2016, Latinos comprise 12.1% of the state’s civilian workforce (WA Dept. of Labor & Industries, 2016).
Understanding Washington Latinos’ Experiences around COVID-19
As Latinx people experienced disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Washington state, LCH conducted research, organized symposiums, and produced policy briefs in partnership with community leaders.
Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) Hotline Summary Report
WAISN was created in November 2016 in response to the presidential election and is now made up of over 100 organizations with backgrounds and specialties in law, education, policy, and direct services. It has become a powerful, volunteer-driven network of immigrants and refugee-rights organizations, working alongside community members across the state to address systemic inequities and provide information and resources to alleviate the impact of threats and anti-immigrant actions.
Latinx/Hispanic Stats in Washington State
This infographic highlights important information regarding the Latinx population in Washington state. A particular focus is on health considerations, outcomes, and related demographic realities. All figures presented precede the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in WA.
Access to Labor and Industries Services Among Latino Workers in Central Washington
In collaboration with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), this project seeks to identify the strengths and barriers to accessing workers’ compensation experienced by Latino workers residing in Central Washington.
Innovative Telephone-based Mental Health Treatment for Rural Latinos with Depression
In a previous National Institute of Minority Health (NIMH) funded randomized pilot study conducted in partnership with the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Dr. Aisenberg and colleagues demonstrated the effectiveness of a manualized, 8-session cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention delivered by telephone to rural Latino adults struggling with depression
Developing Technology to Support Family Caregivers of Latinos with Alzheimer’s Disease
Dr. Ramirez’s K12 research study will leverage the existing infrastructure of an ongoing research study led by Dr. Robert Penfold at Kaiser Permanente Washington. The study is testing an evidence-based program that provides digital and self-directed educational materials to family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD).
Washington State Latino Physician Workforce Study
Funded by the Washington State Legislature, this study seeks to (1) identify the number of Latino physicians across the state, (2) describe their practice areas and geographic locations, and (3) develop and disseminate policy recommendations to meet the state’s growing need for Latino physicians.