Photovoice Exhibit Highlights Immigrant Healthcare Struggles

Penn State event showcases photos and stories from immigrants with limited English proficiency.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:56am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A glowing neon outline of a stethoscope against a dark background, with the outline pulsing and flickering to convey the energy and urgency of the healthcare challenges faced by immigrants.A photovoice exhibit gives voice to the healthcare struggles of immigrants with language barriers.Harrisburg Today

A photovoice exhibition at Penn State Harrisburg will showcase the healthcare experiences of immigrants with limited English proficiency in the United States. The exhibit, hosted by assistant professor Sara Imanpour, will feature photos and narratives from participants on topics such as barriers to accessing care, communication challenges, resilience, and opportunities for more equitable treatment.

Why it matters

This exhibit aims to elevate the voices and experiences of an underrepresented group in the healthcare system - immigrants with language barriers. By using photovoice, the research gives a platform for these individuals to share their stories and shed light on the unique challenges they face in navigating the U.S. healthcare landscape.

The details

The photovoice exhibition will be held on April 15 from noon to 3 p.m. in the Morrison Gallery of the Madlyn L. Hanes Library at Penn State Harrisburg. Visitors will see photos with captions and short narratives from immigrant participants. Photovoice is a research approach that empowers marginalized groups to share their perspectives through photography and storytelling.

  • The photovoice exhibition will be held on April 15, 2026 from noon to 3 p.m.

The players

Sara Imanpour

An assistant professor of health administration in the School of Business Administration at Penn State, who is hosting the photovoice exhibition.

Penn State Harrisburg

The location where the photovoice exhibition will be held, in the Morrison Gallery of the Madlyn L. Hanes Library.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Photovoice is a research approach that uses photography and participant‑led storytelling to elevate the voices of people who are often underrepresented or not heard in traditional research and public discourse.”

— Sara Imanpour, Assistant Professor

The takeaway

This photovoice exhibition provides a powerful platform for immigrants with limited English proficiency to share their personal healthcare experiences and challenges, which can help inform efforts to improve access and equity in the medical system.