Hispanic Health in California, March 2002

Author:	Cristina Huezo
Contact:	Cristina Huezo
Date:	Jun 2, 2004
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Topic:	Health and Family Support
Policy:	California: Health Care
Region:	California - Sacramento

Summary

The “Hispanic Health in California” fact sheet, highlights the disproportionate rate of uninsured Latinos in the state, cultural and linguistic barriers to care, and subsequent health disparities.

Description

Currently there are approximately 11 million Hispanics in the State of California, signifying that one in every three Californians is Latino. Nearly half (46%) of the state’s children are Latino, 96% of whom are U.S. citizens. The Latino population in California is 45% immigrant. In addition, 63% of the elderly Latino population are immigrants who have lived in the United States for an average of 30 years.

The growing presence of Hispanics in the state has not been accomplished by an equivalent increase in the quality of, and access to, health care for this population. Lack of health insurance, even for working Latino families, and access to health care are significant problems facing Latinos in California. Moreover, diseases such as diabetes, AIDS, and cancer disproportionately affect the Latino population in California.