507 Broadway
Kingston
NY
A presentation by Maria-Elena Ferrer (Athena Network) on perceptions and issues related to Hispanic immigrants in the Hudson Valley, to further understand their experiences and to identify opportunities for improving services delivery and health equity.
Immigrant families live difficult lives as they adjust to new communities and new cultures. These challenges can affect their mental and physical health. But the difficulties multiply when the new country’s healthcare services and educational system differ greatly from those of the immigrants’ original homeland, and the work environment and living conditions are poor. Emotional isolation, prejudice and general feelings of disorientation due to the unfamiliar new ways of life also shape immigrants’ ability to remain healthy and respond to illness. This presentation will explore some attitudes about, and perceptions of, these issues among Hispanic immigrants to the Hudson Valley, focusing on their search for support services, to understand their experiences and to identify opportunities for improving services delivery and health equity.