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2003 Healthy Hall Focus
Group Report - Minorities

Hispanic Committee
12 Participants

Overview of the Group

Those participating in this discussion are all part of a leadership group focused on improving the lives and opportunities for Latino’s in Hall County. So they came to the meeting with a perspective, perhaps even a philosophy about Latino issues, but they did not appear to have a single-minded agenda. This group was very open to a wide-ranging discussion of the quality of life in Hall County for Latinos and others.

Participants were all professional people, working for employers like the school system, banks, the health department, family and children’s services, El Puente-a Latino service organization.

The group consisted of six men and six women, all adults, with most ages ranging from mid-twenties to mid-forties. Ten participants were Latino and two were white.

Most of the participants have lived in Hall County for at least seven years, and many have lived in Hall for 15 years or longer. One participant works in Hall, but lives in Gwinnett County.

Priority Issues Affecting Life In Hall County

Living conditions are very important to this group. To them a healthy Hall County would have cleaner water, better sewers, better housing, good schools, good jobs, nice parks and adequate access to basic human services. They see many of these qualities in place in Hall to some degree, but also see great opportunity for improvement, especially for the Latino community.

Sewer and septic tank problems are a major issue to this group. As described by one participant, Latinos do not understand the function and maintenance of septic tanks because they do not exist in their native countries. They do not know that septic tanks fill up, then overflow, then cause potential health problems. At minimum, education is needed. The maximum, best response would be extension of the sewer system to serve Latino areas.

The sewer problem is exacerbated in trailer parks, in which many Latinos live. In these areas, which are often put in the least desirable residential zones, flooding is common. Heavy rains lead to open, running sewage in the trailer parks and nearby drainage ditches. It was reported there can also be problems with wet, exposed electrical wires.

The high concentration of Latinos in trailer parks is an indicator of inadequate affordable housing for lower income Hispanic families. It is the consensus of many in this group that not only is housing needed, but quality, family-oriented neighborhoods are a priority. Asked to describe such housing, one participant responded a neighborhood should have lighting, sidewalks and places for children to play.

Repeating a theme heard in most other groups, this group would like to see more parks and increased access to park areas. Access is difficult because many Latinos must walk. Parks may be far from home, and lack of sidewalks makes walking even more difficult.

Latinos are family-oriented, but there are few affordable places they can meet for family reunions or large gatherings. This group would like to see more open park spaces for larger gatherings or festivals. They would also like to see family-oriented recreation centers located in areas accessible to Latinos.

Several in the group expressed concern that there are too few gathering places for Latino youth. One man noted that 70% of Latinos in Hall County are under age 25 and that investing in these young people should be a high priority.

Health Care Issues

Access to healthcare does not seem to be a personal issue for those in this group, who are all employed, most in professional capacities. Those in the group are concerned by what they perceive to be negative health trends within the Latino community, which the group believes is generally unhealthy.

The primary health concerns within the Latino population as articulated by this group can be grouped into one of four major areas: lack of insurance coverage, language barriers, cultural barriers and lack of awareness among Latinos of prevention and treatment priorities.

Lack of insurance or the ability to pay for care is related to a number of factors, according to the group. Many Latinos work for employers who either do not provide coverage or who provide coverage that is so expensive employees do not take it. Some employers provide coverage for the worker, but not for the family. Many workers--and their children--are undocumented, which means they are not eligible for health services from Peachcare, Medicaid, the county health department or the Department of Family and Children’s Services.

Some in the group acknowledge that Latinos have what might be called an unrealistic attitude toward insurance. They want it, but only if it is free. There is either a reluctance or an inability to see the long-term value of paying for quality insurance coverage.

Language barriers complicate the insurance coverage problem. Many Latinos do not understand insurance or the services or benefits that could be available to them if they had it. The written explanations, even when printed in Spanish, can be a confusing litany of rules, deductibles and eligibility requirements. When they do use health or medical services, language differences complicate treatment and aftercare instruction.

Barriers in care linked to cultural differences are numerous. Latinos are typically shy, quiet people, so asking questions or making demands of service providers does not come naturally. It is common for Hispanic men to forego to delay care because they are afraid something might be found that is wrong with them. So they delay care until illnesses become major and care unavoidable.

Further, some in the group reported that Latinos who do go to the hospital or doctors’ offices for care feel looked down upon. One woman said she believes many offices are deliberately rude to Latino families to discourage them from coming for service. This is complicated by translators who, even though their job requires them to translate, make Latinos who are not bilingual feel inferior. Some in the discussion group believe that despite years of dealing with a growing Hispanic population, health providers remain largely uninformed of Latinos and their cultural complexities.

Many health problems in the Latino community exist or grow worse because of ignorance or lack of education. For example, birth defects in the Latino community are higher because there is little awareness of the need for folic acid in the diet of a pregnant woman. Diabetes is prevalent, and it often goes uncontrolled. High fat diets contribute to a high level of obesity among Latino children.

It was further discussed that mental health services are largely non-existent for Latinos except in the private-pay sector.

The discussion of health services led to a debate within the group about the practice of requiring a Social Security number for certain services, and whether the practice is self-defeating. The Social Security number requirement is related to reducing fraud and identifying illegals. However, many Latinos use invalid Social Security numbers at work and their undocumented wives and children may not have a number at all. This means many Latinos stay away from essential, preventative services such as prenatal care or health education. It was noted in the group that it is common for a pregnant Latino to wait until late in the third trimester to present anywhere for prenatal care.

Some in the group believe that Hall County employers want to expand health benefits and access to care for Latinos, but they have not been effectively engaged to address the problem. Members of the group would like to see a concerted effort among employers, such as those in the poultry sector, to address problems of coverage and care.

Safety & Security Issues

Members of the Hispanic leadership group were very candid about the Latino community and its growing problems with gangs. There was clear consensus in the group that many Latino gangs are real, are violent and are a growing threat to community safety. One man noted there has been a drive-by shooting. Others said gangs are responsible for frequent fights, stolen cars and other robberies.

One man said that gangs in the Latino community fall into two groups-the truly violent and those that grow because youth need somewhere to belong. Another man commented that the breakdown in the family encourages many youth to find a group, a fellowship, a place where they feel accepted. He observed that the children, who are bilingual, grow up too fast because they become the translator and mouthpiece for their non-English-speaking parents.

Some in the group said the Wal-Mart is becoming an increasingly fearsome place for Latinos after dark. Another problem spot is the Wild Horse, a Latino nightspot, where there are frequent fights.

According to this group there is significant distrust of police in the Latino community. Some, including some in the group discussion, feel they are profiled by police and are pulled over unfairly. One man in the group reported this has happened to him on two occasions. There is a perception, apparently shared by many, that Hall County and Gainesville police target Latinos disproportionately.

The story was told that police routinely park near the Wild Horse late at night and pull over anyone who leaves the premises.

Latinos who have been in Hall County only a short time are more likely to distrust police and their motives. This seemed to be supported by those in the group, where the relative newcomers, those here less than 10 years, expressed heightened reservations about police and their practices. Latinos are commonly afraid they will be jailed because they lack insurance or a driver’s license. It was noted that police frequently ask for a green card, even though the green card is not relative to a traffic stop. One man expressed the opinion it is not within the jurisdiction of local police to check green cards.

Of course, as one woman in the group pointed out, driving without insurance or a license is against the law, and that immigrants should have green cards. Should the law not be enforced for the Latino community as it is for others? The group seemed to conclude that laws should be enforced, but the way they are enforced now breeds abuse and distrust.

Community Connections

Repeating a theme common to all the focus groups, this group sees a serious lack of places and spaces for youth to gather and recreate constructively. Parks and youth centers that serve Latino communities are practically non-existent.

When asked about the Boys Club/Girls Club, the group responded that the club is perceived as mostly for Black youth and that Latinos do not feel welcome there. Further the Boys Club/Girls Club is not convenient for many Latino neighborhoods. Parents must pick up youth after school, and many Latinos do not have access to an extra car for this purpose.

The group was asked to talk about the role of churches in the lives of the Hispanic community. Some in the group said the churches are a positive influence among those who actually attend them, but many do not attend, and many do not reach out proactively. The work of St. Michaels was mentioned by one participant.

The consensus of the group seemed to be that the churches could and should do more within the Latino community because the need is very real. One man’s comments seemed to speak for the group when he said the churches are a force for positive change for their members, but not in the larger, outside community.

Views of the Future

Members of this group are somewhat optimistic about the future of Latinos in Hall County, but are realistic there are many difficult problems to address. Some in the group acknowledge that problems seem unsolvable. Yet they believe the history of Hall County, and the progressive attitudes of its people, will lead the Latino community to better days.

These leaders seem to acknowledge that much responsibility for solving the problems of Latinos lie within the Latino community itself. These are community problems that call everyone to respond proactively, but Latinos themselves must take a responsible lead role.

This group would like to see increased emphasis on developing a greater sense of community and commonality between Latinos and the greater community. Noting that Hispanics are a social people who enjoy festivals, this group would like to see more festivals and gatherings that appeal both to Latinos and other segments of the community. It was noted there are some festivals existing that could be promoted better among Latinos.

Alliance For Literacy Group
15 Participants

Overview of the Group

This group was a class of immigrant residents attending an English language study. While most in the group were Latino, coming to Hall County from Central America and South America, two were from Japan and one was from Denmark.

The diversity of the countries of origin in this group demonstrates that Hall County attracts immigrants from many Spanish-speaking countries, not just Mexico, as some believe. Only four of the 12 Latino participants were from Mexico, with the remainder listing Columbia, Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador as their native countries.

Length of residency in Hall County ranges from seven months to 47 years for one resident. The average length of residency was about 2.5 years. One participant reported actually living in Gwinnett County.

Of the 15 participants, only two were male, and one of the men rarely spoke. The perspectives in the group therefore, are decidedly female.

Priority Issues Affecting Life In Hall County

When asked if they like living in Hall County, most in the group were quick to say yes, but some wanted to make it clear that by endorsing life in Hall County, they were not denigrating their home country. They see Hall County as an attractive place to live, with clean neighborhoods, welcoming people, and of course, economic opportunity.

The attribute of “welcoming” apparently does not extend to government offices and their employees, however. When asked what could be done to make life in Hall County better, several in the group where quick to describe the bureaucracies they encounter as “unkind” and not interested in helping them with questions and problems with rules and paperwork.

Some in the group cited traffic and overcrowding as concerns. One woman said the area is losing too many trees and green spaces.

Health Care Issues

Most in the group reported having encounters with the health care system in Hall County, either with doctors, hospitals or the health department. Impressions of the services they received were for the most part positive, but there were many problem areas the group was eager to talk about.

Negative comments about the health care system focused on high costs, long waits for care, and confusion about insurance coverages.

Of the 15 in the group, only six reported having health insurance coverage through an employer. When those who do not have coverage were asked why, the most common answer was cost. In what may be a typical scenario, one woman pointed out that her husband was covered at work, but she and her children are not. Some in the group expressed confusion over whether they were eligible to get insurance.

The discussion in this group indicates that confusion about health services and coverage may be a widespread problem among immigrants. Only four in the group had ever heard of Peach Care. One woman asked whether there was any kind of insurance available for adults. Several women asked about the eligibility requirements for Medicaid. Another woman asked what options are available for children who are undocumented immigrants. Another asked what type of coverage is available for older immigrants, such as parents who live with them.

When asked if there was any kind of agency or office they could go to get answers to these questions, most just looked confused. No one in the group was aware of any central resource, other than perhaps the health department.

Four persons in the group reported having gone to the health department for services. They were thankful for the service, but felt the wait for treatment had been very long. Further, one woman observed that you have to go to the health department to make an appointment to go back to the health department for the appointment-two visits for one episode of care.

Several in the group reported difficulty getting in to see a doctor. Two women made the point that many doctors in Hall County are not accepting new patients. They tried to get in to see doctors, but could not. One woman said she has insurance, but could not get a doctor to see her.

Those who do see doctors report they have little or no difficulty communicating with the doctors of their staffs. Perhaps because of their language classes, they seem to have overcome language barriers. One woman did observe, however, that she thinks doctors do not really listen to them.

Some in the discussion were aware of the Good News Clinic, though it does not appear to be widely used by this group. One woman said she had tried to access a dentist there, but dental services were limited.

Safety & Security

It is clear that issues of safety and security are prominent worries in this group. Gang activity, evidenced by graffiti on homes and buildings in their neighborhoods are very upsetting. One woman said even a children’s center was marked with gang graffiti. Four in the group reported they had personally seen gang activity in their neighborhoods. There is fear that if they report gang members to police, the gangs will retaliate and harm their homes or families.

Issues of safety are a hot issue with this group. For example, one woman who has lived in Hall County two years said she does not feel safe in her neighborhood. She is afraid to let her children play outside. She saw a youth pull out a gun one day and reported it to police, but the police did not do anything. She is now trying to move.

Another in the group said the Wal-Mart is no longer a safe place to go. A third woman said her apartment complex is an increasingly violent place. There has been a murder there, frequent fights and an attack on a blind woman.

This is not to say that all in the group feel unsafe. While still concerned with issues of safety, most feel safe at home and believe their children are safe at play. There appears to be some relationship between length of residence in Hall County and feelings of safety. Those who were most outspoken about their fears have been in Hall County two years or less.

Comments from this group support the observations of the Hispanic Leadership Committee’s that there are mixed levels of trust of police among many Latinos. Several in this group reported police are visible and responsive to their calls, while others said police seem disinterested or nonresponsive to their calls. One woman said she had been encouraged by police not to call.

Community Connections

One way many in this group establish Community Connections is through their children and schools. Eight of those in the group reported having children. Six reported having children under the age of 13.
Those with children are very interested in the quality and content of their children’s schools. Appraisal of school performance by the group was positive overall. Some expressed appreciation for the extra help children of immigrants get at school. Others expressed support for school uniforms.

Some in the group said that there are sharp differences in the schools, depending on where one lives in Hall County. Some of the schools-Johnson High School was mentioned-were reported to be dirty and poorly maintained. Others-Flowery Branch and Chestatee-were described more favorably.

Difficulties with the schools seem to stem from what may be cultural differences and different perspectives on what schools should emphasize. For instance, several parents in the group expressed disappointment that physical education is not a higher priority, especially for older students. It was noted that physical education requirements stop in the 9th grade.

Several parents in this group expressed concern that their children are being negatively molded by an American youth culture that promotes entertainment over work, sex, violence and lack of respect for traditional values. A number of parents, including the one father in the group, expressed similar concerns. These parents seem to struggle to reinforce the values of their native countries among their children.

One woman said that children no longer respect adults. Another worried that a Columbine-like incident could occur in Hall County.

Views of the Future

Members of this group express hope and optimism for their children, but express less hope about their own futures. The majority sentiment among these adults seems to be that they are sacrificing their lives to provide a better future for their offspring.

Yet that optimism for children is tempered by concerns over gangs, drugs, violence and declining morality. Parents in the group see their children as a legacy, yet feel that legacy is being threatened in ways they are ill prepared to resist.

One woman in the group expressed worry about the war in Iraq, a comment that brought many agreeing nods from others. Most, if not all, were worried about how war would affect their futures.

There is optimism that Hall County is working to make life better. Most in the group said they feel welcome living here. Most said they feel they have opportunities in north Georgia they could never have in their native countries. Said one participant, “The people who run Hall County are doing a good job.”
 

Minorities

Purpose

Seniors

South Hall

Youth