Healthy Voices, Better Choices

A community group in Rochester teamed up with 14 immigrant health ambassadors from Hispanic/Latino and Somali backgrounds. In late 2023, they used a method called Photovoice to capture pictures that show what matters most for their health. After taking the photos, they sat together, talked about what they saw, and wrote down ideas for change. Their conversations were guided by a framework that focuses on how race can shape public health. From the discussions, three big ideas came out. First, people want more chances to pick healthy foods and exercise. They suggested building community gardens, keeping the air clean, offering low‑cost gym options, and making healthy foods easier to find. Second, they said that culture matters a lot in staying healthy. They want schools to include cultural celebrations, youth programs that honor their traditions, and food options that fit their diets. They also raised concerns about Islamophobia and the need to protect people from discrimination.

The third theme is about opportunities that help everyone thrive. The ambassadors asked for more jobs, affordable homes, and better health care access. They see these as tools to lift themselves up but also pointed out that learning how to manage time in a new country is crucial. Their message is clear: those who live here should have a seat at the table when rules about health are made. Policymakers can use this study to show they listen to the community and actually act on the suggestions. The researchers also urged future projects to keep anti‑bias ideas front and center so that hidden barriers can be uncovered.

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