Breaking Healthcare Barriers for Women in Western North Dakota – The Dickinson Press

DICKINSON — Women Empowering Women (WEW), an organization located in Dickinson, has partnered with the

Immigrant Development Center

in Fargo to launch an initiative aimed at improving healthcare access for women aged 18-44 in western North Dakota. This collaboration seeks to address healthcare challenges within communities characterized by language barriers, limited knowledge of the healthcare system and cultural distinctions.

The initiative’s primary objectives include enhancing preventive healthcare services and promoting healthcare literacy among low-income and minority women in the region. By removing language and cultural barriers, the organizations aim to empower women to make informed healthcare decisions.

Since 2020, WEW has actively addressed the challenges of accessing healthcare for women with language or cultural barriers. This initiative began with Health Fairs and Women’s Health Circles, expanding in 2023 with the introduction of five Lay Health Ambassadors in the Dickinson community.

Iiulia Kravchuk, working with the Ukrainian community, finds navigating the healthcare system challenging due to cultural differences. “It’s different and complicated here compared to what we are used to,” Kravchuk explained.

Ambassador Jana Jenkins, who was born in West Africa and has lived in East Africa and Uganda, brings a unique perspective to the program. “While I’m not fluent in many African languages, I use tools like Google Translate. Most Africans I meet have a good grasp of English, but they need help understanding medical terms and the healthcare system,” Jenkins explained. “My role extends beyond translation; it’s about making healthcare less intimidating and encouraging them to ask questions.”

Jenkins further elaborated on her approach, stating, “I start by asking basic questions like whether they have a primary doctor. Many don’t, so I explain the health system and discuss insurance options. A significant concern is that they often don’t seek preventive care and only visit doctors when extremely ill.”

Ray Ann Kilen, president of WEW, emphasized the pivotal role trust plays in these efforts. “We’re in our fourth year of working with the Hispanic community now, and this is the first time we’ve implemented a health ambassador model,” Kilen said. “Building trust with the community and the system is paramount. We’ve been trying to reach the African American community for a couple of years, and it’s all about fostering that trust and understanding.”

Alondra Lopez, the ambassador working with the Hispanic community, highlighted some specific challenges. “Many in the Hispanic community self-medicate due to a lack of insurance or access to affordable medication. Mental health is another significant issue; it’s often seen as a taboo, and there’s a fear of being labeled as ‘crazy’ or facing consequences like losing custody of children,” Lopez shared. She also mentioned that there’s a reliance on natural remedies over conventional medicine, which can be challenging to address.

This new proposal extends previous efforts, focusing on reaching non-English speaking and foreign-born African American women. The organization has established strong ties with the Hispanic community and has made significant progress connecting with the African American community and other low-income women.

• Community Education: Organizing outreach events to educate women on the importance of preventive health screenings, facilitated by lay health ambassadors from the Hispanic and foreign-born African American communities.
• Translation Services: Focusing on translating content that addresses comprehensive health needs, ensuring cultural appropriateness and relevance.
• Healthcare Navigation Assistance: Help navigate healthcare services, including translation and transportation, when necessary.
• Training of Lay Health Ambassadors: Empowering individuals to provide ongoing support, assist in navigating the healthcare system, and aid in data collection.

• Developing Resources for Providers

  : Creating materials to help healthcare providers overcome barriers and adopt more inclusive practices.

The program targets various health topics, including cancer screenings, heart health, mental health, diabetes prevention, and more. The initiative aims to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate care by expanding collaboration with new partners. Regular data collection and analysis will monitor the project’s effectiveness in promoting women’s health.
The significance of the program is underscored by its impact on the community’s health, as Jenkins articulated, “And I think the reason I’m excited about this program is I believe it will allow more people, especially new Americans, to access healthcare. And I think that will improve the overall health of our community.”

Kilen added, “By helping them navigate their day-to-day needs, we’re not just supporting their health but also enhancing their ability to thrive in our community.”

This initiative led by Lay Health Ambassadors is a step toward ensuring that all community members, regardless of language or cultural background, can access and understand the healthcare available.

Manny is a journalist with a diverse background in communications. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, he earned his degree in the DFW area before venturing to New York City. There he worked as an ethnic media reporter, covering local issues and immigration news. A long history of dedication to sensitive reporting, Manny’s journalistic journey has led him to Dickinson where he takes on the role of a hard news reporter.