New nonprofit shares critical health information with Latinas and their families

Gaining access to important health and wellness information isn’t always easy in some Spanish-speaking communities in the Twin Cities.

A new non-profit organization in the Twin Cities that is reaching out to Latina women aims to change that.

Raices Latinas (translated as “Latin Roots”) focuses on sharing information and community resources for Latinas in the metro area. It serves as a bridge for the community to provide support for Spanish speaking families, connecting them to services they may need but didn't know they could access.

Because some families face barriers related to immigration, language and digital literacy skills, they often don't know that there's a resource to improve their lives.

“We are an advocate in their corner,” said Karina Kelton, founder and director of Raices Latinas.

“I saw a need when I was working at the Hennepin County Library and started a WhatsApp group that worked well for our Spanish-speaking families, better than email communication,” she added.

Today Raices Latinas has a number of WhatsApp groups. Divided by location, the groups share information about resources and programs targeted for families living in the specific areas.

One of the most pressing concerns of the organization is to make ensure families and children are living in safe environments. Because some reside in older homes or older rental properties that may contain lead paint, creating awareness about the threat and danger of lead exposure and poisoning is a priority.

“We find out they want to go see a doctor to get their kid's blood level checked for lead but they don't they don't have medical insurance. Or their kids have medical insurance but they don't know what clinics accept their children's insurance,” Kelton said.  “Everything is intertwined.”

Kelton notes that lead testing kits are helpful for some of the families that Raices Latinas connects with, who are wary about outsiders coming into their homes.

“Thanks to the Hennepin County, Lead Removal Program, we've been able to buy some lead kits that families can do at home by themselves. They're super easy kits to use and we're meeting the community where they are,” she explained.

This summer, Raices Latinas has given away the lead testing kits provided by Hennepin County at various community events, where information is also available.

Raices Latinas plans to follow up with families who receive the kits to discuss options, such as an in-depth evaluation with the Sustainable Resource Center or a connection to a medical group that can do blood testing for children.

To find out more about lead paint detection and removal, go to Hennepin County’s Healthy Home initiative here . Hennepin County offers free interpreters in connection with the program.