According to a recent report by WUNC’s Eli Chen and WFAE’s Layna Hong, Hmong immigrants in North Carolina face unique challenges when seeking healthcare. One of the main obstacles is the lack of direct translations for English terms such as diabetes and cancer.
The task of interpreting for their parents can become even more complex for members of North Carolina’s Hmong community. As Eli and Layna highlight in their co-reported story titled “As Hmong immigrants in NC get older, their adult children shoulder the labor of interpretation,” language and cultural barriers can make it difficult to navigate medical settings.
Joining the conversation is Sendra Yang, who has firsthand experience interpreting for her father during his doctor’s appointments. Sendra also played a key role in establishing the North Carolina Hmong Women Association, Inc. Together, the guests provide valuable insights into the experiences of Hmong immigrants in North Carolina and the important role that interpretation plays in ensuring their access to healthcare services.
