The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68970

Michael R.J. Felix¹, Craig H. Blakely, PhD, MPH², James N Burdine, Dr PH³, Alicia Dorsey, PhD⁴, Isidore Flores, PhD³, Kenneth R. McLeroy, PhD⁴, Ann Millard, PhD⁴, Katherine I. Miller, PhD⁵, Monica L. Wendel, MA, MPH³, and Miguel A. Zuniga, MD, DrPH². (1) Community Health Development Specialists, 3027 Walburt Ave, Allentown, PA 18104, 610-217-9472, mfelix@chds.net, (2) Health Policy and Management, Texas A&M University School of Rural Public Health, 3000 Briarcrest Drive, Suite 300, Bryan, TX 77802, (3) Community Health Development Program, School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University, 1103 University Drive, Suite 100, College Station, TX 77840, (4) Department of Social & Behavioral Health, School of Rural Public Health, 3000 Briarcrest Drive, Suite 310, College Station, TX 77802, (5) Department of Communication, Texas A&M University, MS 4234, College Station, TX 77842-4234

Approximately 10 million people live along the US-Mexico border. Many border communities are experiencing rapid growth and dramatic increases in demands for health services. In Hidalgo County, Texas, the population grew 50 percent between 1990 and 2000. Of the current 569,000 residents, more than 150,000 live in colonias which are unincorporated, often very low income communities with few resources and inadequate infrastructure. Colonia residents feel isolated by remoteness from cities, limited transportation, limited understanding of the health care system, limited literacy, embarrassment, legal status, long waiting times for appointments, and health care costs. In 2001, through a project jointly funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and HRSA, a partnership of health care organizations in South Texas were brought together to begin coordinating their activities to improve access to care to residents of two areas of colonias. This process is being facilitated through the training and use of promotores (community health workers) working for the partnering organizations. Community Resource Centers are hosting satellite clinics and work stations for partnering organizations’ staff and promotores. This presentation will provide an overview of the project, its goals, objectives and current status and serve as background for the subsequent panelists.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:
• Describe colonias and their characteristics;
• Explain the roles and functions of promotores;
• List 3-5 key elements of an integrated health outreach project

Keywords: Access to Care, Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.