February 24, 2026
A Comic that Helps Newly-Arrived Immigrants to Navigate the U.S. Healthcare System
Those Who Seek, Find: Learning about Health Services is a new resource by Migrant Clinicians Network to help readers to better understand how the healthcare system works in the United States. This booklet follows five characters as they navigate their way through a community health fair and receive information from Ana, a community health worker, and Laura, a navigator. The comic is available in English and Spanish. Here’s a glance of the information you’ll find:
Where can I go to receive health care?
Primary care centers and community clinics provide services that are not serious or urgent. Urgent care centers provide same-day services and services on days with primary care centers and community clinics are closed or don’t have appointments. Hospitals and emergency rooms in hospitals are for life-threatening emergencies.
What if I don’t speak English?
Many healthcare providers should provide services in Spanish if that is your preferred language. Showing a card - such as the iSpeak card - will inform caregivers if you need services in Spanish. This is your right! Even if you speak some English, if Spanish is your preferred language for health care, ask for an interpreter and for documents in Spanish. If you’re requesting an interpreter, get familiar with how to work with an interpreter to get the most out of your appointments.
Do I need health insurance and what kind to receive care?
Learn about where to go if you do or don’t yet have health insurance. The comic also explains the paths for getting health insurance on your own or through your employment. Even if you don’t have the money at the moment to pay for health insurance, you may ask for financial assistance. Be sure to ask for Spanish versions of any forms, if that’s your preferred language for documents.
What other resources can I find in the comic?
There are lots more resources inside, including these three important numbers to call for assistance:
211 (information about housing, food, medical assistance, and more)
911 (an emergency number to reach the police, fire department, or medical services)
988 (suicide prevention and crisis help line).
When you call these numbers, ask for assistance in Spanish, if that’s your preferred language.
This comic is an accessible and valuable resource. Share it with your friends and family members in both languages! Keep it and refer to it whenever you need to.
Watch a Spanish-language video conversation between MCN and CDM about this resource here.
REMEMBER:
Asking for an interpreter may be your right. Many organizations, including healthcare facilities, that receive government funding must offer professional interpretation services and translated documents at no cost to recipients of health services. A professional interpreter is there to make sure your voice is heard clearly and that you receive the best care possible. Translated documents will help you navigate the system and complete any required paperwork accurately.
This project is funded with $375,000 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Minority Health (OMH). The views expressed are solely those of the author(s) and may not represent the official stance of OMH/OASH/HHS or the U.S. Government.