Launching myHIVteam in Spanish for the Latino Community
By Mary Ray, Co-founder & COO, MyHealthTeam
The importance of inclusive and culturally sensitive support networks cannot be overstated. For example, data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows the number of people in the U.S. who speak Spanish at home has increased by 50 percent since 2000. The recent launch of myHIVteam in Spanish is a significant move toward addressing these cultural shifts by empowering the Spanish-speaking community with tailored health information and support. Recent results of a survey of myHIVteam members revealed that 88 percent of Spanish speakers prefer to read medical and HIV-related content in their first language. This underscores the urgent need for accessible and culturally resonant information.
Understanding the Need for Culturally Sensitive Platforms
During a heartfelt conversation with a member of myHIVteam (whom I will call Guillermo to protect their privacy), I heard the familiar refrain of daily hurdles faced by those living with HIV, especially within Latino communities. These include HIV stigma, a lack of current information, and feelings of alienation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021 Hispanic/Latino persons made up 18 percent of the U.S. population but accounted for 25 percent of people with HIV in the U.S. While this data supports the need to do more for the Latino community, the conversation I had with Guillermo brought home the critical need for education and resources that are not only linguistically accessible, but also culturally resonant.
“Discussing HIV can still be a taboo. That’s why a platform like myHIVteam in Spanish isn’t just helpful — it’s necessary.”
— A myHIVteam member
“In our communities, discussing HIV can still be a taboo. That’s why a platform like myHIVteam in Spanish isn’t just helpful — it’s necessary. It provides a safe space where our voices are heard and our experiences are validated,” said Guillermo.
A recent survey by myHIVteam showed that 88 percent of Spanish-first speakers wanted to read medical information in Spanish. Given mixed experiences with the health care system and the impact of stigma that often surrounds HIV in the Latino community, support networks like myHIVteam that offer reliable information can become a source of empowerment.
Tailoring myHIVteam for Spanish-Speaking Users
Recognizing the importance of culturally tailored communication, myHIVteam now includes features that ensure a welcoming and supportive environment for Spanish-speaking users. These include:
- Translation and localization — We ensure all content is not only translated into Spanish, but also culturally adapted to meet the specific needs of the Latino community. The 2024 myHIVteam survey specifically surfaced the strong desire of Latino members to learn how to obtain disability benefits, where to find reliable HIV content, and where to access HIV testing or treatment.
- Cultural sensitivity in community engagement — Our moderators and community leaders are trained to understand and address the cultural nuances that affect our members’ experiences and needs. That includes ensuring a native Spanish speaker serves as a pillar of community support for myHIVteam.
- Proactive outreach — Initiatives actively engage new members in their language, helping them navigate the platform and connect with others who share similar backgrounds and experiences.
Advocating for Education and Accessibility
The stigma associated with HIV remains a formidable barrier. This is magnified in Latino communities where misconceptions about the disease can be pervasive. Guillermo shared, “There are some days when the burden of having to educate even my closest family members feels harder than living with HIV day-to-day.”
By providing education and clear information through myHIVteam in Spanish, we aim to dismantle these barriers and foster a more informed and supportive community.
Another opportunity to facilitate human connection through language is in the way members welcome each other into the community. “We need to make sure everyone feels welcome, not just those who speak English. Introducing features like Spanish-language resources and support can make a huge difference in how people engage with their health and with each other,” said Guillermo.
Bridging the Divide
The launch of myHIVteam in Spanish is more than an expansion of a platform — it is a step forward in making health care more inclusive and equitable. By listening to the needs of the Spanish-speaking HIV community and responding with targeted support and resources, we are not just addressing gaps in care; we are building a foundation of trust and understanding that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers.
Together, we can transform the landscape of HIV care, ensuring that every member of our community feels supported, valued, and understood, regardless of the language they speak. This initiative is a testament to the strength found in diversity and the power of community in overcoming the challenges of living with HIV.
If you need to reach the Spanish speaking population in the U.S. about any other condition or disease, please contact [email protected] or use the contact form below