Building Vital Conditions for Thriving Communities – Insights from Deliana Garcia

Lessons in Advocacy and Empathy

December 18, 2024

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A New Chapter, Same Mission

While we’re excited to bring you this newsletter through Beehiiv, one thing hasn’t changed: our commitment to delivering amazing interviews, stories and insights that matter to you. In this edition, we’re diving into a powerful conversation with Deliana Garcia, a leader in healthcare equity.

Let’s get started!

For 35 years, Deliana Garcia has been at the forefront of addressing the healthcare challenges faced by migrant and other underserved populations. Serving as the Director and Chief Program Officer for International and Emerging Issues at Migrant Clinicians Network, Deliana has led numerous initiatives to improve access to care for those most in need.

Her expertise spans critical areas like reproductive health, chronic disease management, primary care access, and infectious disease prevention and control. One of her most significant contributions is the development and expansion of Health Network, a groundbreaking international system for bridge case management.

A Shift in Focus: From Barriers to Vital Conditions

What they're saying: Deliana shared a transformative perspective on public health, urging us to move beyond addressing barriers and instead focus on creating vital conditions for thriving:

🏠️ Housing: Stable, secure homes are foundational to well-being.
💼 Decent Work: Fair wages and honorable jobs provide stability and dignity.
🌍️ Civic Engagement: Active participation in communities fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.

One of the most powerful takeaways from our conversation was the importance of proximity in building understanding and change:

“If you want to help, you must understand. And the way that you’re going to understand is if you make an effort to be proximate to the people that you want to help. Go to the church that’s doing food and clothes, or go to the worker protection place that’s trying to talk to people about fair labor and knowing their rights, and meet people and extend yourself and come to understand their reality.”

By engaging with the communities we aim to support, we gain a deeper understanding of their realities and can create solutions that resonate.

Creating Impact Locally and Systemically

Deliana Garcia highlighted the unique role of healthcare professionals and advocates in driving change at every level:

  • Local Action: Simple changes, like weekend clinics or walk-in options, can increase access for underserved populations.

  • Policy Advocacy: From state-level pesticide safety laws to federal healthcare policies, clinicians can use their voices to influence meaningful reforms.

  • Community Solutions: Partnering with local organizations to address housing, employment, and civic needs can create immediate, tangible benefits.

A Call to Action

Deliana’s work reminds us that change doesn’t always start with large systems—it often begins locally, with simple actions and a commitment to understanding.

The bottom line: What can you do today to support thriving communities?

  • Volunteer with local organizations supporting immigrants.

  • Advocate for inclusive healthcare policies in your area.

  • Join conversations about equity, opportunity, and vital conditions for health.

To learn more about Deliana Garcia and her work, watch the entire conversation here: https://youtu.be/kYfeT6BUiag

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Until next time,

People Power Health Team