A Publication of
the University
of New Mexico
Foundation, Inc.
| The University of New Mexico |
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A Publication of the University of New Mexico Foundation, Inc. |
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By Jennifer K. Roberts
Language can be a sizable obstacle to good communication between physicians and patients in New Mexico. The problem increases when a patient uses American Sign Language and is compounded by the additional challenge of a multicultural community that also speaks Spanish, Vietnamese or Farsi. UNM Pediatrician Dr. Julia Hecht realized that the health care system was neglecting some basic needs of the deaf community. Lacking the language tools to properly describe symptoms, many deaf patients and their hearing family members were underserved. To help remedy the situation, last year Hecht began the Deaf Access Program through the Young Children's Health Center, which aids families in Albuquerque's Southeast Heights. The program's goal is to serve the hearing impaired populations of Santa Fe and Albuquerque by giving them and their physicians the proper communication tools for the best possible health care. "The goal is full access to comprehensive health care for the deaf community," says Sonya Warwick, development specialist for the Children's Hospital of New Mexico. Deaf children can communicate directly with their own physicians in sign language. Hearing families members learn signs for specific and general ailments to make diagnosis and treatment easier. With the community in mind, medical personnel and office staff receive training in deaf culture and American Sign Language. In addition, Hecht visits local schools and speaks to the families and children. Outreach consists of individual and family counseling, language development and referral to community resources. The Deaf Access Program is the only one of its kind in New Mexico, and one of very few in the United States. Its parent clinic, Young Children's Health Center, serves about 2,600 new patients every year. Annually, the program holds more than 9,500 medical visits and more than 10,000 social service visits, including group activities. Warwick notes that the majority of patients seen in this program have families just meeting or below the federal poverty level. Helping thousands
of New Mexico families each year, the Young Children's Health Center and
its Deaf Access Program depend on private gifts. In 2001, the clinic received
more than $50,000 in private gifts to help run the Deaf Access Program.
The program also received a McCune Foundation grant that provides $70,000
for the next two years. Filling a necessary but often overlooked role
in the greater Rio Grande area, this program improves the lives of the
underserved populations through outstanding health care and personal attention.
UNM
Foundation Inc. 505-277-4503 Copyright
© 2006 The University of New Mexico. |
Spring 2002 |
