April is National Minority Health Month, spotlighting “Advancing Commitments to Eliminate Health Disparities.” At the forefront of this initiative is SOMOS Community Care, New York’s premier provider-led, nonprofit, community-based integrated healthcare network with a roster of over 2,800 healthcare providers dedicated to reaching and providing culturally competent care to over one million Medicaid and Medicare patients. SOMOS stands at the forefront of innovative healthcare solutions aimed at improving outcomes and reducing disparities within racial and ethnic minority communities.
In 2015, SOMOS, under the guidance of founder Dr. Ramon Tallaj, created a pioneering model of quality preventive healthcare meticulously designed to meet the unique needs of immigrant communities. The approach, grounded in cultural competence, expanded accessibility, education, and the transformative potential of community-based medicine, is geared towards effectively addressing the social determinants of health. Their physicians not only treat medical conditions but also consider the broader context of their patients’ lives, understanding the impact of factors like diet, mental health, unemployment, poverty, drug abuse, and cultural sensibilities.
SOMOS doctors are fluent in various languages, including Chinese, Spanish, English, African, Middle Eastern, Russian, and Greek, enabling effective communication with diverse patient populations. They share similar cultural backgrounds, fostering trust and understanding with those they serve, creating a safe environment for their patients, and empowering them to prevent illness and maintain their well-being.
Riquelmy Lamour, Director of Behavioral Health at SOMOS, addressed the crucial services she and her fellow practitioners provide, “As a clinician and behavioral health leader, I’ve seen firsthand how health disparities — especially in mental health — deeply impact the lives of minority patients. In both private practice and community care, I witness clients of color navigating layers of stress, stigma, and systemic barriers.”
She continued, “Black and Latino individuals are more likely to face trauma, economic hardship, and chronic illness, yet far less likely to access or stay in treatment. According to the Office of Minority Health, Black adults are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health issues, but only a third receive care. I’ve seen patients wait until they’re in crisis to seek help — because they fear judgment, can’t afford services, or don’t see providers who reflect or understand them. This is not just a healthcare issue — it’s an equity issue. Minority Health Month is our call to action: to invest in culturally responsive care, expand access, and build trust in communities that have been left behind.”
For minority healthcare, SOMOS remains an organization dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare and social services to those in need.
For more information about SOMOS, please visit their website.
