 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
|
| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Melissa K. Thomas, MSA, BS, BA, Community Outreach, OhioHealth, 3726A Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214, (614)566-5206, thomam3@ohiohealth.com and Doretta K. Thomas, Community Outreach, Grant/Riverside Methodist Hospitals, 3726A Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214.
The Amish have settled in at last half of the states in the US and in numerous international locations. Despite the large presence of Amish settlements around the globe, lack of evidence-based research on this population has resulted in poor information about the cultural and health care needs of this often closed community. Many published articles were written by non-Amish without permission and inclusion of the Amish community, which has threatened the quality of health care to this population by perpetuating myths and stereotypes. By working with the world’s largest Amish settlement in addressing high breast cancer mortality rates in the community, Amish and non-Amish Community Health Workers (CHWs) were hired to develop culturally competent education materials about breast health issues. The presentation will provide an opportunity to share the advice and experiences of both Amish and non-Amish CHWs when working with a unique culture from two perspectives: as the outsiders looking in and also the insiders looking out at the rest of the world. Additionally, key aspects of the Project Hoffnung(sm) outreach model will be identified, which was developed from evidence-based and qualitative research collected over a four-year period from Amish and non-Amish women living in the world’s largest Amish settlement, located in Ohio. Results of this outreach have significant implications on any CHW working with underserved populations.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Underserved Populations, Breast Cancer Programs
Related Web page: www.projecthoffnung.org
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: grant, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation