Vietnamese Community on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Boosts Language Access to Healthcare
Biloxi, Miss. — A network of volunteers and community organizations on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast is working to improve Vietnamese language access in healthcare. Despite making up about half of the state’s 9,000 Vietnamese residents, the community faces limited availability of Vietnamese-speaking medical providers, creating significant barriers for those with limited English skills, according to local healthcare workers.
Coi Nguyen, a volunteer who has lived in Biloxi for more than 20 years, helps neighbors navigate doctor’s appointments and legal hearings. She describes her work as driven by community connection rather than money. Nguyen, who emigrated from Vietnam in the 1960s, spends her free time making calls, scanning documents, and recording appointments in her bilingual “little book,” assisting those who might otherwise delay or avoid care.
Vietnamese immigrants have been arriving in Mississippi since the 1970s, fleeing the Vietnam War and settling in areas like Biloxi for seafood industry work. Today, the community is among the largest in the Deep South, with about 5,000 residents, according to U.S. Census data. Many grew up acting as interpreters for their families or struggled with medical terminology in their native language, a challenge still present for many today.
At Singing River Health System, over 700 Vietnamese patients sought care last year, with more than 60% likely needing interpretation services, a hospital spokesperson said. While federal policies require hospitals to provide language assistance, enforcement is limited. Many patients prefer in-person interpreters, leading to reliance on bilingual staff like nurse practitioner Cynthia Le, who said her language skills help patients understand their care and encourage preventive health measures.
Volunteer efforts fill gaps left by formal services. Children often interpret for their parents, but as younger generations move away or become busy, community members like Nguyen and her grand-nephew, Dat Thanh Phung, step in. Phung, who immigrated from Vietnam, helps clients prepare for doctor visits and understands the importance of clear communication in healthcare.
Organizations like Boat People SOS provide additional support, assisting with appointments, interpretation, and transportation. Nguyen previously worked with the nonprofit and played a role in COVID-19 vaccination outreach. Her motivation stems from personal loss and a desire to serve her community. She expressed concern about the limited number of Vietnamese-speaking providers and volunteers and hopes for more organized support from local and state governments.
While volunteers like Nguyen and Phung are making a difference, healthcare providers continue to call for increased resources to improve language access. The community’s efforts highlight ongoing challenges and the resilience of Vietnamese residents on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.
Source: Original Article
