This presentation describes a collaborative intervention project that aims to increase immunization coverage of two year olds in south central Los Angeles by empowering women as promotoras. The project includes the recruitment of promotoras from a local health promoters training program. The promotoras partner with four health agencies and take an active role in planning and executing activities that will improve the project design, aid in their on-going career development, and increase immunization for the community. These activities are: evaluation, outreach, education, referrals, case-management, and resource mobilization. Increasing immunization coverage rates and parents’ immunization-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors indicate that this empowerment model is a promising approach to increasing immunization rates in an underserved community. Guidelines are provided for health care providers and health educators interested in developing similar community-based programs and partnerships.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, the participant should be able to describe the development of a collaborative and community-based project to promote immunizations in inner city communities. In addition, the participant will be able to describe the importance of partnering with local residents for sustained health improvements.
Keywords: Community Health Promoters, Community-Based 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.