The group is working to bridge gaps across languages and cultures.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte nonprofit is seeking solutions through the work of building bridges in the Queen City. That work by Embrace All Latino Voices was evident Wednesday during a maternal health resource fair.
Patrick Garcia is the nonprofit’s executive director. He told WCNC Charlotte that different languages and cultures aren’t barriers that prevent him and Embrace from ensuring everyone has access to healthcare.
“We have interpreters here that speak Spanish, that speak Portuguese to the Brazilian community — that’s really big in the Charlotte area,” he said. “People from different countries, as well, talking about, for example, prenatal care or talking about their marriage for mental health cases, or domestic violence, is different than for other American cultures.”
Nonprofit leaders like Garcia say those things don’t stop them from making sure everyone has access to healthcare.
“We make sure that we bring the language, the cultural aspects and the respect for human rights,” he said.
North Carolina ranks above the US average for the number of maternal deaths during childbirth, according to recent reports. It’s why event partners and volunteers gathered during Maternal Mental Health Awareness month.
“Helping mothers that are struggling and trying to find the best to develop and grow their kids,” Juliana Flores, a volunteer with Embrace, said about why she was offering a hand.
Flores said it’s not just the work they do that makes it all worth it– but the response given from women and families who benefit from it.
“To have a healthy pregnancy, a healthy child, a healthy family,” she continued. “It’s unbelievable le to see how thankful and how grateful those people are.”
Organization leaders say those reactions drive them to bring awareness about healthcare access to all.
To learn more information about Embrace and the health resources they offer, visit their website.
Contact Bria Smith at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Download WCNC+ on your on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV, and stream the news that impacts you for free.
