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The Weekly Dispatch
Community-powered immigration news from the Bay Area.
Welcome to El Tímpano’s Weekly Dispatch.
I’m Vanessa G. Sánchez, El Tímpano’s new Senior Health Reporter and Editor, filling in for Erica Hellerstein this week to introduce myself to you. I’m thrilled to join a team of dedicated people committed to serving immigrant communities in the Bay Area.
When I moved to the United States seven years ago from my home country Ecuador, I struggled to navigate the health care system. The first time I visited an ER in the U.S., at a hospital in Baltimore, I didn’t understand the doctor’s instructions for how to take pneumonia medication because of my limited English fluency. I also remember the shock I felt months later when I received a three-figure bill for a 15-minute interaction.
As I worked as a health reporter in different parts of the country – Maryland, Washington, D.C., New Mexico, and California – I came to understand that our health is directly influenced by the decisions government officials make. Since President Donald Trump took office, policies have shifted dramatically, and those changes have had a particular impact on Latino and Indigenous immigrants. My goal is to bring you timely information whenever these changes happen so you can make informed decisions. I will also dive into health disparities that are prevalent in our communities on the local level. I’m kicking off with a story about HIV treatment and prevention services. I want to understand how recent federal cuts are affecting immigrants living with HIV or in need of preventative services in the Bay Area.
You’ll also see stories based on your feedback and topics I’m tracking, including a range of issues such as reproductive health care, climate change, health care access, medical services in immigration detention, LGBTQ health, food insecurity, chronic diseases, mental health and substance use disorder.
If you have any tips or ideas to share, please feel free to reach out to me at vsanchez@eltimpano.org. You can also contact me by phone or on Signal at 510-919-8593.
— Vanessa G. Sánchez
Ear to the Ground
El Tímpano’s text messaging (SMS) service reaches more than 6,000 Spanish-speaking immigrants across the Bay Area. They often send texts with health-related questions. Many ask about heart health and nutrition, health insurance options, and low-cost or free dental services. Below are some of their responses:
Where can I get a blood pressure monitor?
¿Dónde puedo adquirir un monitor de toma de tensión?
—Hayward resident
Do you know of any natural or home remedies that can help lower high blood pressure?
¿Me gustaría saber si ustedes saben de remedios naturales o caseros que pueden ayudar a bajar la presión alta?
—Oakland resident
I am suffering from a toothache. Do you have a dentist’s number? I don’t have insurance.
Estoy sufriendo de dolor de muelas. ¿Tendrá un número de dentista? No tengo seguro.
—Oakland resident
Are there any health insurance plans that will cover some of the costs of my treatments? I don’t qualify for Medi-Cal because my income is just above the minimum wage.
¿Habrá algún seguro médico en donde pague algún costo de mis tratamientos? No califico para Medi-Cal, solo por ganar un poco más del mínimo.
—Oakland resident
From the El Tímpano Newsroom
In this story from the archives, a reminder of how even in the midst of the shared pain and trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic, vulnerable communities suffered the most.
Immigrants face illegal evictions and barriers to rent relief
Despite COVID-19 tenant protections and assistance programs, immigrant renters are vulnerable to threats and displacement.
California
Bay Area
Resource of the Week
There are several county programs to help low-income people get access to health care—even if they don’t qualify for Medi-Cal, California’s free public health insurance. These programs are mostly for people who are uninsured, undocumented, or working but can’t afford private health insurance. We created a resource guide about eligibility and how to apply for HealthPAC, Alameda County’s version of the program. We also have guides about similar programs in San Francisco and Contra Costa Counties.
Do you know families who could benefit from these events? We’d appreciate if you shared our guide with them and let them know they can text us any questions at (510) 800-8305.
Questions and feedback? Tips for newsroom stories? Reach out ehellerstein@eltimpano.org.
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El Tímpano produces civic media with, for, and about the 1.8 million Latino and Mayan immigrants who call the Bay Area home. We cannot do it without your support. Become a monthly donor today.
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