Caring Across Cultures: Bridging Gaps in Migrant Healthcare with Naomi Marroquin

03/10/25 • 22 min

In this episode of My City, My Health, host Laurna Evans Lindsay sits down with Naomi Marroquin, a dedicated healthcare team leader serving migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Iowa. Naomi shares her journey from growing up in an immigrant-rich community to advocating for better healthcare access. She discusses the challenges migrant workers face, the impact of mobile clinics, and the importance of bilingual and bicultural healthcare professionals.

00:00 - 00:18 | Introduction to the Podcast & Guest
00:19 - 03:12 | Naomi’s Background & Passion for Migrant Health
03:13 - 05:10 | The Role of a Community Health Worker
05:11 - 07:35 | Challenges in Healthcare Access & Resource Limitations
07:36 - 09:30 | The Importance of Mobile Clinics for Migrant Workers
09:31 - 11:07 | How Being Bilingual & Bicultural Shapes Patient Care
11:08 - 13:37 | Needed Improvements in Healthcare for Migrant Populations
13:38 - 16:31 | Advice for Future Healthcare Professionals
16:32 - 19:23 | Avoiding Burnout & Self-Care as a Healthcare Worker
19:24 - 21:21 | Closing Remarks & Where to Find Naomi

Connect with Us:

Visit My City My Health: www.mycity.health
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mycitymyhealth
Join Us! If you're in the Iowa City, IA area, join us on April 18 for the next My City My Health Conference. Students can register for FREE! Register now at www.mycity.health.

Connect with Our Guest:

LinkedIn: Naomi Marroquin

Connect with Us:

Visit My City My Health: www.mycity.health
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mycitymyhealth
Join Us! If you're in the Iowa City, IA area, join us on April 18 for the next My City My Health Conference. Students can register for FREE! Register now at www.mycity.health.

Connect with Our Guest:

LinkedIn: Naomi Marroquin

Previous Episode

Breaking HIV Stigma: Real Talk on U=U, Treatment & Community Support | My City Talks

In this inaugural episode of My City Talks Health, host Larry Twitty Jr. sits down with HIV advocates Destiny Smith and Alicia Mercado for an enlightening discussion about HIV awareness, treatment advances, and breaking down persistent stigmas. From explaining U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) to navigating healthcare systems in Iowa, our guests share personal insights and vital information about HIV resources and support services.

Show Notes:

Key Topics Discussed:

Understanding U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) and its impact on HIV prevention
PrEP and PEP: What they are and how to access them in Iowa
Available case management services through Ryan White funding
Addressing HIV stigma and misconceptions in healthcare and community settings
Unique challenges of HIV healthcare access in rural Iowa
Support systems and resources for newly diagnosed individuals
Social media advocacy and addressing misinformation
Healthcare disparities and solutions for marginalized communities

Featured Guests:

Destiny Smith: HIV advocate, author, and social media influencer
Alicia Mercado: Health Equity Educator with Nucara Capacity Extension

Resources Mentioned:

Stop HIV Iowa: stophiviowa.org
PrEP Iowa: prepiowa.org
Ryan White Program Services
The Project of the Quad Cities (mobile testing unit)

Follow Destiny Smith:

Facebook: @Destiny Smith
TikTok: @Destiny Smith
Instagram: @Destiny Smith
LinkedIn: @Destiny Smith

Notable Quotes: "Nothing in my life has changed except for me popping a pill every single day and that's it." - Destiny Smith

"Systems were not set up to effectively serve everybody. And so those are huge barriers." - Alicia Mercado

Support Services Available:

Transportation assistance
Medical case management
Grocery assistance
Dental and medical insurance support
Mental health services
Utility and rental assistance

Contact Information for Testing and Resources:

Mobile testing units available
Free testing services
Confidential support and counseling

Take Action:

Get tested - it takes just 10 minutes
Share information within your community
Support local HIV awareness initiatives
Challenge stigma and misconceptions
Engage in community conversations about HIV

Next Episode Preview: Stay tuned for more discussions on community health issues that matter to you.

Next Episode

From Research to Action: Advancing Holistic Mental Health Care

In this episode of MyCityMyHealth, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Khyathi Gadag, a PhD candidate in Health Policy and Management at the University of Iowa. Khyathi shares her journey from dentistry to mental health research, highlighting the crucial intersection of mental and physical health. They discuss holistic mental health approaches, the role of social determinants like housing and income, and how policy changes can improve access to care. Khyathi also dives into her work as the founder of Here to Help, a student-led initiative focused on bridging the gap between mental health resources and student needs. Listen to learn how we can integrate mental health into healthcare policy, reduce stigma, and create a more inclusive, supportive future.

Topics Covered:

[00:01] Introduction to My City My Health and guest Khyathi Gadag

[00:22] Khyathi’s background: From dentistry to mental health research

[01:53] The connection between oral health and mental health

[03:17] Holistic approaches to mental health in healthcare policy

[06:08] The Connection Between Environment and Mental Health

[08:32] Founding Here to Help: A student-led mental health initiative

[11:04] Tackling stigma through peer support and cultural competence

[13:46] The challenge of balancing ambition with mental health in academic and professional settings

[17:37] Overcoming barriers in implementing holistic mental health care

[22:14] The future of mental health: Integrated care, social determinants, and technology

[24:42] Khyathi’s advice: Make mental health a priority and cultivate empathy for others

Connect with Us:

Visit My City My Health: www.mycity.health
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mycitymyhealth
Join Us! If you're in the Iowa City, IA area, join us on April 18 for the next My City My Health Conference. Students can register for FREE! Register now at www.mycity.health.

Connect with Our Guest: