CARLOS T. CARTER
This month’s health page focuses on a critical health equity challenge: Making sure that science and healthcare include people who don’t speak or understand English well.
As we continue our “Take Charge of Your Health” theme on social determinants of health, we’re reflecting on a major healthcare barrier for people who don’t speak or understand English well: Language equity.
How is language equity relevant to the work of the Urban League?
Equity and inclusion are what we stand for at the Urban League. Pittsburgh has a growing number of people who are non-English speaking, including many diverse members of our community who are of African ancestry.
Pittsburgh is now the home to immigrants from many parts of the world and it’s our obligation to ensure they not only feel welcome, but also included and cherished. To that end, the Urban League is working with multiple community partners to strengthen our efforts at reaching out to and engaging and communicating with our non-English speaking neighbors.
How do you see language equity connected to improving the health of our community?
First and foremost, each of us can value diversity and enrich our lives by learning about our neighbors’ ancestry, languages, and cultures.
Second, I think it’s critical for all of us to be more mindful about whether our organizations are doing everything we can to welcome people whose first language is not English. When we improve our communication and relationships, we build a stronger and healthier city.
Carlos T. Carter is President and CEO of Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh.
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