A recent article in WA Latino News examines the persistent language and cultural barriers that many Latino residents face when navigating healthcare in Seattle and across Washington state.
The piece features Dr. Leo Morales, co-director of the Latino Center for Health and provider at UW Medicine’s LatinX Diabetes Clinic, who describes how a lack of bilingual, bicultural providers creates significant obstacles for Spanish-speaking patients. It also includes personal stories from students and community members about miscommunication, cultural disconnect, and the emotional burden of acting as informal interpreters.
While clinics like the LatinX Diabetes Clinic and organizations such as the Latino Center for Health offer culturally responsive care, many Latino patients—especially immigrants—continue to face barriers that lead to delayed treatment and poorer health outcomes.
