In May, 2000, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and its Community Health Development and Advocacy department conducted a needs assessment of the Hispanic/Latino community living in the state of Georgia. The purpose of the assessment was to gain a better understanding of the educational needs of this population related to children’s health and community development. 62 parents of young children were interviewed and spoke freely in their own language about their desire to learn more about topics such as child abuse, disability, childhood injuries, and safety. Parents also provided insight on their preferred way of receiving health promotion messages and specific barriers to health care that they must face as newly arrived immigrants and primary caretakers of their children. The results of the needs assessment are currently being used by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to create culturally appropriate health promotion programs to satisfy the educational needs of the Hispanic/Latino population. The partnership and coalition building that resulted from the realization of this assessment will continue to be of paramount importance as additional resources and health promotion trainings are offered to this population. This assessment and the methods utilized to gather the information can serve as an example to other organizations seeking data about culturally and linguistically effective ways of serving the Latino community.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation of the recently conducted needs assessment of the Hispanic/Latino community living in the state of GA, participants will: 1. Identify the main barriers to access to health education experienced by Latino families in relation to children’s health. 2. Assess the most effective ways to communicate health promotion messages to Hispanic/Latino families. 3. Recognize ways to partner with other community organizations working on behalf of Latino families and children. 4. Apply the data presented to their own communities to create health promotion programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate.
Keywords: Access to Health Care, Community Health Assessment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I have been employed with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for over 5 years.