The purpose of the Ministerio de Salud, a partnership for health between the University of the Incarnate Word and St. Philip of Jesus parish is to improve the health and well-being of a predominantly Hispanic community in San Antonio, Texas. Goals are accomplished through a service learning model, with students, faculty, the parish nurse, promotoras and parishioners working together to conduct assessments, health screenings, health education programs and referrals/case management.
The Community Organizing Participative Action Research (COPAR) model is a tool that serves as a framework for achieving this goal. The COPAR model has been used to guide community capacity building for health in depressed and underserved areas, and to develop capacity of residents for management of their own health concerns. The partnership selected the COPAR model as a framework because of its congruence with the purposes of the partnership. Through teaching each other and learning together, community members, faculty and students have developed an action plan based on the phases and activities of the COPAR model
Participation in the Ministerio de Salud provides a means for members of the parish and university to contribute meaningfully to the health of the community. Implementation of COPAR with the community is a slow process.. Use of the model as a framework has increased community capacity to address their needs, and provides direction for areas where more work is needed.
This project is supported through grants from the Pierre Fund of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and Kronkosky Charitable Foundation
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify the dimensions of the COPAR Model as applied to the process of community capacity building for health 2. Discuss methods for community and university collaboation in application of the COPAR model 3. Compare experiences and lessons learned in the process from both community and university perspectives
Keywords: Community Building, Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.