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Ohio’s Springfield Addresses Growing Haitian Community Amid Political Rhetoric

The town of Springfield, Ohio, has recently found itself at the center of intense political discourse regarding immigration, particularly concerning Haitian immigrants. Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance’s assertion that these immigrants have significantly increased infectious disease rates in the region prompted local health officials to investigate. Springfield’s health commissioner, Chris Cook, reviewed the data and found that in 2023, Clark County had four active tuberculosis cases, a slight rise from three in 2022. HIV cases had indeed increased, yet the overall incidence of sexually transmitted infections was down. Cook commented, “I wouldn’t call it skyrocketing,” and emphasized that reportable infectious diseases, on the whole, are declining.

Community Response to Immigration and Health Needs

Springfield, a community of approximately 58,000 residents, has recently experienced heightened tensions. Following remarks by GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, who suggested Haitian immigrants were involved in thefts and other criminal activities, bomb threats disrupted schools and public facilities. Local officials strongly rebutted these claims, labeling them as unfounded.

Trump’s comments amplified previous rhetoric from Vance, who admitted during a CNN interview that while his statements were not fact-based, they were drawn from “firsthand accounts” shared by his constituents. He expressed a willingness to craft narratives around immigration’s impact on communities.

Contrary to this narrative, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has recognized the positive contributions of immigrants to Springfield’s economy. Many arrived to fill labor shortages in local businesses, helping to counteract the town’s population decline.

While the political debate rages on, local organizations have mobilized to support the influx of Haitian residents, many of whom arrived with limited access to healthcare and a lack of familiarity with the U.S. healthcare system. Over the past few years, Catholic charities, various nonprofits, and community volunteers have collaborated to address the health needs of these newcomers.

Efforts to Enhance Healthcare Access

In response to the growing Haitian population, community health centers have implemented initiatives to bridge the gap in services. This includes hiring Haitian Creole interpreters and opening refugee health clinics that operate on minimal budgets. A coalition formed to assist Haitian immigrants began meeting monthly to identify and respond to community needs, with participation surging to a record 138 attendees this September.

“We have all learned the necessity of collaboration,” stated Casey Rollins, director of St. Vincent de Paul in Springfield. “There’s a lot of medical need. Many of the people have high blood pressure, or they frequently have diabetes.” The circumstances driving emigration from Haiti are multifaceted, involving the aftermath of natural disasters, political turmoil, and pervasive gang violence.

Paul Glover, who oversees the St. Vincent’s Center for children with disabilities in Haiti, highlighted the challenges in accessing healthcare back home, as even open facilities can be difficult to navigate due to safety concerns. Reports indicate that there are about 12,000 to 15,000 Haitian immigrants in Clark County, with a significant number entering the U.S. under a temporary federal program for urgent humanitarian needs.

Challenges in Healthcare Utilization

Navigating the American healthcare system has proven challenging for many newcomers accustomed to different medical practices in Haiti. An increase in patients seeking care at the Rocking Horse Community Health Center, which serves uninsured individuals, reflects this trend. The center reported treating 410 Haitian patients in 2022, marking a 250% increase from the previous year. This surge has led to longer appointment times due to the necessity for interpreters.

Healthcare providers are adapting, with Rocking Horse hiring navigators fluent in Haitian Creole and launching initiatives such as a roving health bus to provide screenings and vaccinations. A $2 million health clinic is now operating at Springfield High School, further aiding access to care for local Haitian students and their families.

Impact of Political Climate on Community Wellbeing

Since the national attention brought by leaders like Trump and Vance, many Haitian immigrants in Springfield have reported feeling unsafe, leading to reluctance in speaking to the media. Healthcare providers have also noted increased visits to emergency departments for non-urgent care, revealing a strain on local health systems.

In Springfield Regional Medical Center, emergency services saw significant upticks in patient volume, particularly for maternal and pediatric care. New mothers are struggling with breastfeeding challenges and food access for their newborns, as it often takes weeks to gain access to food assistance programs.

Despite these challenges, many Haitian immigrants qualify for Medicaid, though this can lead to lower reimbursement rates for hospitals compared to traditional insurance. As of this year, enrollment in Medicaid in Clark County reached over 60,000, indicating a growing reliance on state-supported health coverage.

Governor DeWine has since pledged $2.5 million to assist health centers in meeting the needs of both the Haitian community and broader population, while local health officials remain vigilant in monitoring preventable disease outbreaks.

Overall, while certain narratives paint a picture of crisis, local health commissioner Cook insists, “As a whole, all reportable infections to the health department are not increasing,” pointing out the significant toll COVID-19 took in the region over the past year.

KFF Health News is dedicated to providing comprehensive reports on health-related issues across the nation.

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