I started volunteering at the Good Samaritan Clinic this summer. It's a free clinic open to everyone, but primarily serves the Latin American/ Mexican immigrants.
Many states in the US have a huge population of Latin American immigrants. They are exploited because they work here illegally. Most of them work strenuous jobs as construction or farm workers but live on less than minimum wage, with little help from the community or state. Instead of addressing the issue of granting legal status and proper work benefits, many people and state governments have adopted an attitude of hostility towards these immigrants. South Carolina is among one of them. These states believe that the immigrants encroach upon job opportunities and enjoy the community resources without paying for them. The harsh reality is that many people refuse to work such laborious jobs. Americans are fed and housed because of these immigrants who, in return, don't enjoy any resources, including health benefits.
Today, at the Good Samaritan Clinic, I learned that by Federal Law, health centers/ hospitals are required to have translators for people who need assistance. However, most health institutions refuse to keep any. This hinders the migrant Spanish-speaking population in communicating with the doctors. The GSC is operated while taking care of these needs. It's a start, but its only a small center which lacks funding. It is open Tuesdays and Thursdays and because of lack of doctors willing to work for free, the GSC can provide basic primary health care to only 12-13 patients a day.
My friend and I are were glad we decided to spend some time this summer helping out. My spoken Spanish was rusty, but when we started working with the database entries, I felt much confident - I could put my medicinal knowledge into use.
If you live in a similar community, seek out places where you can help out as well. Help is always welcome.
If you want to know more about the clinic, check out the video below made by my friend, Sarah.
A Place to Feel Secure from Sarah Langdon on Vimeo.
Many states in the US have a huge population of Latin American immigrants. They are exploited because they work here illegally. Most of them work strenuous jobs as construction or farm workers but live on less than minimum wage, with little help from the community or state. Instead of addressing the issue of granting legal status and proper work benefits, many people and state governments have adopted an attitude of hostility towards these immigrants. South Carolina is among one of them. These states believe that the immigrants encroach upon job opportunities and enjoy the community resources without paying for them. The harsh reality is that many people refuse to work such laborious jobs. Americans are fed and housed because of these immigrants who, in return, don't enjoy any resources, including health benefits.
Today, at the Good Samaritan Clinic, I learned that by Federal Law, health centers/ hospitals are required to have translators for people who need assistance. However, most health institutions refuse to keep any. This hinders the migrant Spanish-speaking population in communicating with the doctors. The GSC is operated while taking care of these needs. It's a start, but its only a small center which lacks funding. It is open Tuesdays and Thursdays and because of lack of doctors willing to work for free, the GSC can provide basic primary health care to only 12-13 patients a day.
My friend and I are were glad we decided to spend some time this summer helping out. My spoken Spanish was rusty, but when we started working with the database entries, I felt much confident - I could put my medicinal knowledge into use.
If you live in a similar community, seek out places where you can help out as well. Help is always welcome.
If you want to know more about the clinic, check out the video below made by my friend, Sarah.
A Place to Feel Secure from Sarah Langdon on Vimeo.
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