David Rojas-Leon

While access to health is a human right, immigrants in the US continue to find a prohibitive pathway to get the care they deserve, deepening the unequal conditions for newcomers. The current political climate and upcoming regulations create an even more adverse environment for marginalized populations and their ability to maintain health, contrasting with the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that highlighted the importance of community health over individual wellness.

After exploring the challenges faced by asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants in New York City, I joined MVP Health Care in upstate New York, where many newcomers settle. During this experience, I have learned that Design can heal a broken system by incorporating a three-fold approach:

Building trust through culture: The healthcare and health insurance systems are complex and challenging to navigate. Design can promote agency by easing the navigation process through cultural connection and relevance to specific needs.

Design relevant care: Marginalized migrant communities develop distinct health conditions caused by the trauma of -often- forced displacement, strenuous labor, and genetic predisposition. Designing care that considers these aspects could foster healthier and thriving communities.

Advocacy for structural transformation: The most challenging yet crucial pillar involves informing legislation that heals society based on evidence provided by a combination of community research and health outcomes metrics.

This talk aims to encourage multidisciplinary professionals to view Design as a tool for dignity and agency for those navigating systems not built for them.