WEST VALLEY CITY — For a variety of reasons, Latinos may not be able to access or have health insurance at work.
As a result, undiagnosed medical issues can develop into bigger problems over the long term.
But in an effort to make health care more accessible to residents, particularly Latino immigrants, a new medical clinic has opened in West Valley City. The clinic offers primary care under a unique model: a subscription that starts at $60 per month for adults. Vamos Health, a private, for-profit venture launched by a team of medical professionals with experience in the Medicare and Medicaid sectors, opened on May 6 and held a grand opening ceremony over the weekend.
“Doing the right thing for our residents can have a big impact on their overall health,” says Maria Barnett, chief external relations officer for Vamos, which means “let’s go.” In other words, she says, by creating accessible access to basic medical care, Vamos officials hope to improve the health of the community by addressing “little things” before they become “big problems,” as they put it.
Vamos does not provide specialized care or treatment, but does help patients find a care provider if needed. They offer consultations, preventive and diagnostic care, health screenings, blood testing, family medicine services, and many other services.
The clinic’s target audience is Latinos, who are less likely to have health insurance, according to the Pew Research Center, and staff speak both English and Spanish. Vamos specifically aims to serve the needs of immigrants, including those without permanent residence permits and who are uninsured.
“Immigrants and their families know that starting a whole new life in a new country can be difficult. Through all the stresses and changes, Vamos is there to be a welcoming place for families of all ages and generations,” the Vamos website says.
![Leaders of Vamos Health, a clinic serving Latinos in West Valley City, attended a grand opening ceremony on June 29. Vamos CEO John Woolley is in a suit, center.](https://img.ksl.com/slc/2997/299774/29977472.jpeg?filter=kslv2/inline_lg)
Indeed, when Barnett explained “Vamos,” he emphasized the contributions of Latino immigrants to the economy and creating a welcoming atmosphere for them. As the immigration debate intensifies, Latino immigrants who entered the country illegally or do not have permanent residency status have been the target of particular criticism from some lawmakers and others.
“We welcome patients of all immigration statuses at our clinic,” Burnett said. Patients also have access to “community health navigators” who can connect them with non-medical resources, such as legal help, housing experts and job opportunities.
Vamos founder and CEO John Woolley also emphasized the importance of Latinos in revitalizing the U.S. economy.
“The Hispanic community is an asset to this country. We thrive because of the role hardworking Hispanic families play in our economy. We want to care for them medically and help them achieve their dreams,” Woolley said in a statement.
Hispanics in the U.S. are less likely to have insurance and less access to preventive care, according to the Pew Research Center. “Language and cultural barriers, as well as high rates of poverty, are among the social and economic factors that lead to disparities in health outcomes among Hispanic Americans,” the Pew Research Center said in a study on the issue last year.
Barnett said Latino immigrants don’t buy insurance through their employers because they don’t understand how it works, can’t afford the premiums or don’t qualify because they’re immigrants. About 60% of Latino immigrants prefer to use Spanish-speaking health care providers, according to the Pew Research Center.