CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and other advocacy organizations have launched what they’re calling a first-in-the-nation program designed to improve healthcare access for immigrants.
They’re calling it the Immigrant Health Academy, designed to help immigrants in the suburbs, who face barriers because of immigration status or a lack of insurance. They do have options.
Luvia Quiñones, Senior Director of Health Policy with the Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, experienced the difficulties first hand when her mother was diagnosed with cancer.
"All I could think of is what do people do who are insured and undocumented, especially if they do not have anyone who could speak for them and assist them. Upon reflection through this journey with my mom's illness, we realized how much of a need there was. Not only for immigrants to know about their healthcare rights, but to be of power to exercise their rights."
During a news conference, Suzy Rosas told how her mother needed brain surgery. This through an interpreter.
"The surgery was very expensive and her not having health insurance, because of her status, was very frustrating and a very difficult moment. We did not know what to do," Rosas said through an interpreter. "Thanks to a training that I was able to receive and get informed, I was able to advocate for my mom's case. Finally, she was able to have the surgery. Thank God."
The program was announced at the Healthy Communities Foundation in Riverside.
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