Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #106685

Rita Singhal, MD, MPH¹, Ellen Eidem, MS¹, and Amy Y. Chan, MPH². (1) Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Office of Women's Health, 3400 Aerojet Ave., 3rd floor, El Monte, CA 91731, (626) 569-3806, eeidem@ladhs.org, (2) Data Collection and Analysis Unit, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, 313 N. Figueroa St. Rm 127, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Uninsured low-income women in urban communities represent an ethnically diverse group that is disproportionately affected by disease while having decreased access to health care. The Los Angeles County Office of Women's Health, in collaboration with community partners, developed a mobile clinic outreach program that provides preventive healthcare and referrals for additional health services to this high-risk population. The program is culturally and linguistically tailored to reach eight targeted ethnicities. Free health screenings for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, cervical and breast cancers are provided using a multicultural staff. Venues are selected by community-based organizations working within the targeted communities and include churches, community centers, consulates, and health fairs. Over 2 ½ years, 1,984 women with a mean age of 47 years were seen at 104 events. 74% preferred a language other than English, over 80% were foreign born and 94% lived at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. 94% were uninsured and over 75% lacked a regular source of care. 32.5% of the women had not seen a physician in over 2 years. Of those screened, 59.2% were overweight or obese, 16.8% screened positive for diabetes, 24.3% had an elevated blood pressure and 24.6% had hyperlipidemia. 6.4% had an abnormal Pap smear and 4.4% had an abnormal breast exam. This community partnered mobile clinic was able to overcome access barriers to reach a high-risk population. To reduce health disparities among women in urban communities, targeted interventions utilizing community-based partnerships and culturally relevant methods are required.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how a mobile clinic program can overcome primary access barriers to provide health care to low-income, uninsured women.
• Understand the role that community-based organizations play in reaching a high-risk population in an urban setting.
• Identify the importance of using culturally relevant methods in addressing health disparities.

Keywords: Women, Prevention

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.

Recorded presentation