Health
Latinos in our area are less likely to have health insurance because the kind of jobs they have typically don’t offer it or because of their undocumented status. Since most of are area Latino children are U.S. born, they could be eligible for Medicaid. Here are some of the valuable local bilingual or Spanish language health services.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Hay Una Solución
A Spanish-language Alcoholics Anonymous group meets at the Church of the Incarnation, located behind Toys R Us off Hillsdale Drive, on Wednesdays at 7:00pm in room 18. The group, “Hay Una Solución” (There is a Solution) is open to all Spanish-speaking individuals struggling with addiction to alcohol. Walk-ins are welcomed, as are referrals, and there is no fee. For information in Spanish call (434) 973-4381.
HEALTH PROMOTERS
CJ Health Promoters
Creciendo Juntos’ (CJ) Health Promoter Work Group has trained Latino/a health promoters in Albemarle and nearby countys and is providing them continuing training while deploying them in health promotion activities. For more information about its work and upcoming training opportunities visit the Health Promoter Work Group page or contact Jan Wolfe at 434/263-4000, 434/263-4858, 434/409-1636, lfwmn@gmail.com or wlfwmn@gmail.com
Rural Health Outreach Program
In addition to its active role in the CJ Health Promoter Work Group, RHOP has trained health promoters in the past in Nelson, Amherst, and Albemarle counties. For more information visit http://www.brmedical.org/ or contact Jan Wolfe at 434/263-4000, 434/263-4858, 434/409-1636, lfwmn@gmail.com or wlfwmn@gmail.com
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN
Medicaid/FAMIS
Insurance program available to U.S. born children of low income parents, regardless of the parent’s legal status, and to pregnant women with U.S. citizenship. There are two basic differences between Medicaid and FAMIS: income limits and administrator (Social Services or FAMIS). Children who are not eligible for Medicaid and meet FAMIS eligibility requirements are covered by FAMIS. Spanish language applications are available online at http://www.famis.org/apply.cfm?lang=Spanish## and at Social Services offices. Martha Trujillo at United Way is bilingual and can assist Spanish speaking clients through the FAMIS application process. Martha can be reached at (434) 972-1703 or mtrujillo@unitedwaytja.org
CHIP
Works with families with children under seven, assessing their needs and strengths and responding with services that promote health and well being. Its office is located at 1469 Greenbrier Place. Its phone is 434-964-4700. CHIP’s Executive Director, Judy Smith, may be reached at 964-4701 or judy.smith@jachip.org CHIP has several bilingual Family Support Workers, among them, Erica Mateo (964-4712), Sara Rosas Morales (964-4722), Carolina Ortiz (964-4742), and Teri Lamb (964-4710). CHIP’s website is http://www.jachip.org
Blue Ridge Care Connections
BRCC offers advice, education and support to all families with children from birth to 21 regardless of income requirements. It can also offer financial assistance and support with some pre-approved medical bills, equipment and medications. Its bilingual website ishttp://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/blueridgecc
WIC
WIC helps to correct or prevent malnutrition in low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who recently had a baby, infants and children up to 5 years old who are at health risk due to inadequate nutrition. WIC provides supplemental food, offers professional nutrition education and makes referrals based on health screening and assessments of need. Its office is located at the Dept. of Health, 1138 Rose Hill Drive (off Preston, between Bodos and Washington Park). For referrals, call 972-6206 and ask for a Spanish speaking worker for your Latino Client.
Dental
The Community Children’s Dental Center offers preventive and restorative dental services, including xrays and cleanings. Medicaid/FAMIS typically covers all costs at the Center. Costs for children who do not have Medicaid/FAMIS will be based on their parents’ income. The Center is located at 259 Hydraulic Ridge Road, Suite 101; telephone: 293-9300. It tries to have bilingual volunteers to help with Latino patients.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDERS
Latina Women’s Support Group
Elizabeth Irvin of the Women’s Initiative offers a no-cost Wednesday morning support group for Latina women at the Word of Faith Church next to Albemarle High School. Transportation and childcare is provided. For more information, contact Elizabeth Irvin at 434/964-6472.
Directory of Bilingual Health Service Providers
To add other service providers or make other changes to this Creciendo Juntos (CJ) directory, please write cj.cville@gmail.com To view the directory, click here
WOMEN’S HEALTH
La Clinica
UVa clinic for Spanish-speaking women is staffed by a Spanish-speaking clinician and social workers who provide prenatal care for pregnant women, as well as routine gynecological care. The clinic is open on Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Primary Care Center. For more information or to make an appointment, call 434/924-1955.