Hispanic Heritage Month: Breaking healthcare barriers

Every September 15 through October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month commemorates and celebrates the contributions, history, and culture of those with roots in Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Some notable Hispanic healthcare heroes, among many others, include:

• Dr. Carlos Juan Finlay, who, in 1881, identified mosquitoes as transmitters of yellow fever
• Dr. Severo Ochoa, who was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1959 for groundbreaking research that led to the development of mRNA vaccines
• Dr. Antonia Novello, who became the first Hispanic, and female, U.S. Surgeon General in 1990

Hispanic residents make up more than 60 percent of Monterey County’s population, and their contributions are woven into every part of daily life, from culture to cuisine to community. But when it comes to healthcare, barriers remain.

Barriers to care for Hispanic communities

“Language gaps, lack of familiarity with the healthcare system, and trust issues are some of the biggest challenges Hispanic patients face,” says Pablo Veliz, MD, a bilingual primary care doctor at Montage Medical Group. “Some patients simply don’t know where to start. Others worry about documentation status. And there are those who’ve had negative experiences in the past and don’t fully trust the system. All these issues can keep people from getting the care they need.”

For many Hispanic families in Monterey County, seeking healthcare can feel overwhelming. Language barriers can make it difficult to understand instructions, navigate healthcare options, or ask questions confidently. Concerns about documentation status or cultural stigma add another layer of hesitation.

"When you combine the language gap, distrust, and fear of being judged or misunderstood,” Veliz says, “healthcare can feel out of reach.”

Breaking down barriers

At every level of care Montage Health provides, the priority is always to create a safe, welcoming environment where patients know they will be treated with dignity. All patients are served equally regardless of immigrations status, and financial assistance is available to ensure that care is never denied based on ability to pay.

Bilingual providers and trained interpreters help families feel confident and informed during visits, while written materials in English and Spanish ensure information is always accessible.

And Montage Health’s commitment extends well beyond the doctor’s office. Across Monterey County, Montage Health partners with Hispanic-serving nonprofits through its Community Benefit program, ensuring resources reach families where they live and work.

Montage Health also offers bilingual community education, like a Spanish-language cancer support group and nutrition and wellness classes. Online, community members can find bilingual resources for topics like drug prevention and healthy living, giving families the tools they need to make informed health choices at home.

Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with action

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of celebration and recognition. But as Dr. Veliz emphasizes, honoring Monterey County’s Hispanic residents requires more than symbolic gestures.

“Real celebration means action,” Veliz says. “It means making sure our community feels welcome, respected, and cared for every single day.”