Engaging the Latine Community around Asthma

Background 

The Minnesota Asthma Program partnered with Lighthouse Global to better understand how Latine individuals and families in the Twin Cities metro area experience and manage asthma. 

MDH and Lighthouse Global collaboratively developed research methods, which included engaging metro area Latine individuals, businesses, and organizations. Lighthouse Global staff interviewed 20 Latine participants from across the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Participants brought a range of experiences as individuals with asthma, caregivers, and community leaders. 

The interviews occurred virtually during May 2025. The interviews were conducted in Spanish, English, and/or Spanglish and analyzed using qualitative methods. 

Project goals 

• Identify barriers to accessing clinical asthma care and educational resources.
• Determine community-based approaches and non-clinical strategies currently in use or valued by Latine families and communities for managing asthma.
• Assess the extent of miscommunication or misinformation experienced by the Latine community to inform how the Minnesota Asthma Program can better engage, serve, and co-design programming with Latine residents, particularly in areas of high asthma burden in the Twin Cities metro area. 

Findings

The final report on findings, including partner recommendations, were presented to the Minnesota Asthma Program staff and Latine community members. 

Lighthouse Global grouped findings and recommendations into the following four areas: 

• Improve asthma education and awareness
• Support caregivers and families
• Improve access to culturally respectful care
• Help people navigate work and health care systems

Executive summary

Engaging Metro Area Latine Community around Asthma (PDF)

Conversaciones sobre el Asma con la Comunidad Latina del Area Metropolitana (PDF) 

Full report

Engaging Metro Area Latine Community around Asthma (PDF): Full Report in English 

What were the results?

• Multiple new strategies to engage with and provide training and education to this quite diverse community.
• Connections with multiple trusted Latine organizations and clinics for collaboration.
• Several recommendations to inform future projects, resource development, and community engagement specific to the Latine community.

Questions about the executive summary or the full report, please reach out to Andrea Hickle, Asthma Program Manager at andrea.hickle@state.mn.us. 

Resources

Asthma resources and programs in Español/Spanish