language barriers

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Immigrant families in NC face barriers to enrollment in safety-net programs

BY: - November 15, 2023

Language barriers, misinformation and complex eligibility rules keep North Carolina’s immigrant families from enrolling in safety-net programs, according to a new report from the Urban Institute. The report released Wednesday recommends making translators for languages other than Spanish more widely available, customizing outreach to immigrant groups, and engaging more community health workers in outreach.  The […]

Asian-American communities are experiencing unique challenges in pandemic vaccination

BY: - March 9, 2021

The pace of COVID-19 vaccinations has increased rapidly in North Carolina this month with the growth in vaccine supplies, the addition of new vaccination sites, and expanded eligibility. But the push to vaccinate millions of people continues to face challenges -- especially in historically underserved communities where strained relationships with the government and health care providers make some people resistant to accepting the shot.

Language barriers at the polls a concern for Asian-American voters

BY: - October 4, 2016

It’s been all about voter registration up to this point, but experts are beginning to express concern about language barriers on Election Day for one of North Carolina’s fastest growing populations: Asian-Americans. “Too often these challenges stand in the way of Asian-Americans achieving full political and voting power,” said Mee Moua, president and executive director […]

COMMENTARY

Study shows high percentage of Hispanic children in NC are uninsured

BY: - November 14, 2014

As enrollment begins again, on Saturday, for Affordable Care Act health insurance, it is crucial to note that an important population—children—are still often uninsured. More than five million children in the United States lack any form of health insurance. In North Carolina, this is particularly a problem within the Hispanic population. The state ranks among […]

Voters have a right to language assistance

BY: - November 4, 2014

As ballots are cast all over the state today, it is important to remind voters and poll workers about Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act which allows voters to get language assistance at the polls. The relevant North Carolina statute states that any registered voter who has trouble reading is allowed to be assisted […]