3012.0: Monday, November 13, 2000 - 1:15 PM

Abstract #16790

New Mexico Community Health Workers Association: A Coalition by and for Promotores

Bette Jo (BJ) Ciesielski, BA, Maternity and Infant Care Program, University of New Mexico Hospital, 7525 Zuni S.E, Albuquerque, NM 87108, (505) 272-4741, bciesielski@salud.unm.edu

This presentation will give a brief history of community health worker (CHW) programs in general followed by a brief history of CHW programs in New Mexico. The participant will get an illustration of the process taken by the New Mexico programs to develop a formalized coalition. The development of the coalition's role, vision and mission driven by the membership through a visioning processes. A brief summary of the curriculum which was developed to assist programs in training community health workers will be provided. The participant will also be given information on the evolution of the Association to its present state, including the process for the development of an executive board, by-laws, membership requirements, dues and participation. A brief discussion on the following outcomes: the funding received by the Association and the impact it had on subsequent CHW training and other benefits; the Association's role in introducing health legislation; recognition from the State of New Mexico's legislature for the work promotoras provide in their communities; the promotores role in the "Health Commons Model" funded by a Kellog Community Voices Grant.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to asses the benefits of a state wide network for promotores (community health outreach workers.)

Keywords: Community Health Advisor, Networking

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: New Mexico Community Health Worker Association
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA