Haitian immigrants, for the most part, come from areas of Haiti where health care is a luxury that is afforded to a few, rather than a right available to the majority of citizens. Immigration to the U.S, however, does not eliminate health care access barriers, even though more resources are available. The low socioeconomic status, cultural stressors and other ecological factors suffered by immigrants continue to create barriers to adequate health care. In addition, Haitian immigrants lack information about the U.S. health care system and may not be eligible for benefits from insurers such as Medicare and Medicaid even under the Health Care Act (Obamacare).
Other factors such as illiteracy, language difficulties, cultural differences, and certain beliefs and practices also constitute major barriers to health care access for this population. Lastly, the stereotyping of Haitians by other ethnic groups contributes to keeping many Haitian immigrants from seeking health care from existing traditional institutions where few culturally sensitive programs are in place to address these barriers. The Center for Haitian Studies, Health and Human Services provides urgently needed, culturally competent primary care services designed to decrease the growing number of Little Haiti residents who may delay seeking health care, resulting in the worsening of treatable conditions or resort to emergency rooms for conditions that could be easily treated at the primary care level. Services available at the Center include: physical examination, health education, immunizations, cholesterol screening, blood sugar screening, blood pressure control, pregnancy testing, breast examination, vision screening, HIV testing/counseling, pediatric services and referrals to specialty care. Since the earthquake of 2010, there has been a notable increase in the need for mental health and pediatric services. At CHS, health care services are provided by highly qualified, culturally competent medical professionals from local universities, hospitals and community health care centers.
To schedule a visit, please call:
305-757-9555
Services are provided:
Monday through Friday
9 a.m to 5 p.m.
In collaboration with local hospitals and private physician offices, CHS offers culturally competent clerkship rotations to medical students and training opportunities for medical residents, student nurses, medical assistants and advanced practice nurses.
Radio broadcasting is the principal medium by which to reach members of the Haitian population of South Florida. Under funding from the University of Miami Department of Family Medicine /Community Health (Area Health Education Center--(AHEC) and the Public Health Trust/Jackson Memorial Hospital, CHS hosts a popular bi-weekly radio program, and broadcasts daily health promotion public service announcements (PSA’s) in Creole.
This programming addresses acute and chronic illnesses that are commonly found among members of the Haitian
population of South Florida. Through the radio program and the broadcast of PSA’s in Creole, the Center informs
Creole-speaking members of this underserved population about available health care services.
RADIO SHOW SCHEDULE:
Saturday 4:00pm - AM 1020 Radio MEGA, Miami, FL.
Wednesday 10:00pm - AM 1020 Radio MEGA,Miami, FL.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: J. Bryan Page, PhD, Chairman / Jean-Michel Cétoute, Secretary / Carméus Jacob, Treasurer.
MEMBERS: Didi Bertrand, MHA / Pierre Blémur, MD / Elizabeth Greig, MD / Dev Dabas / Michel Dodard, M.D / Angelo Gousse, M.D / Barth Green, M.D / Prince C. Smith, PhD / Stephen Symes, MD, FACP / Prince Smith, PhD / Richard Parrish, M.D / Leonie Hermantin / Jenny Drice, M.D.
ADMINISTRATION: Laurinus Pierre, M.D, M.P.H, Executive Director / Stephen Symes, MD, FACP, Medical Director / Georges Metellus, MD, MPH, Administrator / Rosa Carrasquillo, Assistant Administrator, HR Director.
CONSULTANTS: Steven Klein, MHA / Michael Butler, MD.
University of Miami Pediatric Mobile Clinic.
Established in 1992 as a response to Hurricane Andrew, the UMPMC has provided medical care to uninsured children in need for nearly two decades. Services provided include well-visits, sports physicals, immunizations, management of chronic conditions, urgent care, mental health, and social work. Major activities include::
1 - Providing direct primary medical care for nearly 3,000 children a year who are without health insurance and access to medical providers and linking those who need it to specialists;
2 - Providing mental health services for children and families identified to have specific needs;
3 - Providing prevention education and support to reduce obesity and tobacco use and other preventable disease;
4 - Assisting parents and grandparents with social service, case management and educational attainment issues to strengthening families and increase self-sufficiency;
5 - Educating caregivers, community members and stakeholders about the specific health and developmental needs of children; and
6 - Training future health care providers to meet the challenges of serving disadvantaged children, mentoring them to increase the numbers of those who will choose careers that serve the underserved..
The UMPMC is a fully equipped medical clinic on wheels that provides the following services to uninsured children in need:
- Well-visits
- Sports Physicals
- Immunizations
- Screenings (Vision, Hearing, Developmental)
- Management of chronic illnesses
- Sick Visits
- Urgent Care
- Referrals to Specialty care
- Psychological Services
- Mental Health Counseling
- Social Services
- Case Management
University of Miami Pediatric Mobile Clinic @ CHS
Every Tuesday: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Services are provided every Tuesday
from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and occasionally on Thursday.
For more information, please contact CHS at 305-757-9555
Serving the Underserved [VIDEO]
CHS is featured on Miamigration, a website dedicated to showing the New Miami as defined through the immigrant experience. The Center for Haitian Studies in the Little Haiti neighborhood of Miami aims to serve the city’s underserved Haitian immigrants population. The clinic not only provides health services free of charge, but also provides patients with a culturally sensitive atmosphere. The clinic will accept, respect, and take care of anyone who needs medical attention.UM OB/GYN Clerkship
CHS offers a culturally competent clerkship in the fields of Obstetrics and Gynecology for 3rd Year medical students from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UM)...
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