One of the greatest values I hold dear to me is giving back to my community--the one which shaped me, nurtured me, supported me, and got me to a place I feel I am very fortunate to be in.
This project is my way of doing so.
Growing up in rural South Dakota, I saw firsthand the disparity of treatment outcomes when it comes to minority non-native-English-speaking communities. This disparity is often rooted in language and/or cultural barriers, creating a complex issue that has become pervasive within healthcare, especially in rural America. In such a homogenous population, these language and cultural differences tend to be overlooked--quite understandably so. With access to healthcare infrastructure already so sparse, the focus of care often lies in efficiency in outcomes--serving the majority rather than tailoring treatment options to adapt to heterogenous populations, something more commonly done in urban counterparts. I see this firsthand in my community, from my own household experience to major reservation-wide disparities such as in Rosebud or Pine Ridge.
It is not a coincidence that communities like Rosebud and Pine Ridge often tend to be the poorest in America and also have the lowest rates of health literacy. Because of its roots in fear, distrust, misinformation/lack of information, poor accessibility, and so much more, healthcare outcomes are disproportionately poor for many in my state, not just those in reservation communities. Hearing these stories and experiencing these shared frustrations sparked my love and dedication toward this project.
By raising awareness about the importance of health literacy, advocating for improved communication between healthcare providers and patients, and promoting community education initiatives, we can make significant strides toward a healthier and more empowered society as a whole. As more and more organizations, both private and governmental, begin to look at health outcomes for non-native English speakers, I believe that sharing our stories—the same stories that ended up inspiring us—will make a substantial impact. In such a diverse nation as the United States, it is paramount that every individual, irrespective of their spoken language or cultural background, can fully access their fundamental right to healthcare. Our goal, especially through this section, is to foster a community where each person's unique narrative is embraced and illuminated, ensuring equitable healthcare for all.
Sincerely,
Aditya Tummala
Co-Founder of The Health Fluency Project
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