Nearly one in four Coloradans is Hispanic, while about one in five people in the U.S. trace their roots to Mexico, Spain or other Spanish-speaking countries.
Hispanics make up one of the fastest-growing communities in both Colorado and the U.S., and for those who speak Spanish in their homes, navigating the health care system can feel daunting at times.
Access to trusted, accurate health information in Spanish isn’t a convenience. It’s essential.
At UCHealth, nurses, doctors and other team members are dedicated to improving the lives of each person who walks into a hospital or a clinic. Supporting Colorado’s Hispanic community is key to improving lives in meaningful and long-lasting ways.
UCHealth providers long have served Spanish speakers — and people who speak a variety of languages from around the world. Learn how patients can get free help from medical interpreters.
And UCHealth has a dedicated Spanish-language news site.
There’s also a way for Hispanic people and Spanish speakers to connect with one another and to get trusted health information in Spanish.
A space to connect on social media
UCHealth en Español on Facebook is more than a page. It’s a place to find practical health advice, discover available services and read stories about patients who share similar backgrounds and experiences.
For many families, this page may be the first point of contact: a welcoming entry point to understanding what care is available and how to access it.
In the U.S., researchers have found that at least two-thirds of Hispanic people are regular users of social media.
Health news and a newsletter in Spanish
Along with UCHealth en Español on Facebook, readers also can check out UCHealth Today en Español to learn about a variety of health topics ranging from preventive screenings to healthy recipes and family wellness tips.
Spanish speakers also can sign up for a free, biweekly Spanish digital newsletter that delivers timely, practical health tips directly to their inbox.
Sign up for UCHealth Today newsletters in Spanish or in English.
Free medical interpreters at every appointment
In addition to accessing trusted information online, Spanish-speaking patients can get in-person help. Clear communication between patients and providers can make all the difference in a person’s health journey. UCHealth provides professional medical interpreters at no cost during appointments, so patients can fully understand their diagnosis, ask questions and feel confident in their care plans.
Professional interpreters bring technical medical knowledge, cultural awareness and empathy to every conversation, ensuring that patients understand key details. And unlike relying on a family member to translate, trained interpreters protect privacy and reduce the risks of miscommunication,
Digital tools in the language you prefer
Through UCHealth’s patient portal, Spanish-speaking patients also can connect with “Livi,” a virtual health assistant. Livi provides some services in Spanish and can help with scheduling appointments, reviewing test results, messaging care teams and understanding care instructions.
“We engage Hispanic communities through Spanish-language resources, interpreter services and community outreach to improve understanding, build trust and reduce disparities,” said Manuel Rodriguez, chief marketing and experience officer at UCHealth. “These efforts ultimately help us achieve better health outcomes and improve the patient experience.”
UCHealth leaders are prioritizing resources for Spanish speakers and Hispanic people across digital, social and in-person settings because Colorado’s Hispanic communities deserve care and information that is unique to them. As the Hispanic community continues to grow and evolve, so too does the commitment to showing up — en Español — for Spanish speakers who call this state home.