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

Abstract #110531

Julie Ann Parrish, MA, MPH¹, Michael R.J. Felix², and James N. Burdine, DrPH¹. (1) Center for Community Health Development, School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, 701 E. Vermont Ave., McAllen, TX 78503, 956-668-6322, japarrish@srph.tamhsc.edu, (2) Private Consultant, 3027 Walburt Ave., Allentown, PA 18104

Starr County, located along the South Texas-Mexico border, is a rural county with an estimated population of 58,814 (97% Hispanic). The unemployment rate is 15.5% (state rate 6.2%), with 42.2% living below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL, state rate 14.6%). Less than 35% of the population ages 25 and older graduated from high school or higher, and 90.7% speak a language other than English at home. In addition, 35% of the population is uninsured and approximately 15% has diabetes. During 2002-2003, the Center for Community Health Development (CCHD, School of Rural Public Health, The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center) conducted the South Texas Health Status Assessment (STHSA) in Hidalgo and Starr Counties. In August 2003, CCHD presented results to Starr County—after which concerned/committed parties formed “Estrella Saludable” Starr County Health Partnership (ESSCHP). ESSCHP members formed two task groups on priority concerns: diabetes and mental health. The ESSCHP is now in an implementation phase, where the diabetes task group is primarily focusing on: 1) establishing and sustaining a Diabetes support group; and 2) developing nutrition, education, and physical activity strategies. Outcomes for the diabetes group include: the establishment of a diabetes support group; an increase in the number of Starr County residents who exercise; and increased awareness of diabetes treatment and prevention. Given some of the SES factors described above, the task group is targeting culturally appropriate and self-initiated activities to achieve these outcomes. The group is evaluating current activities and adapting strategies as appropriate to increase effectiveness and induce change.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to

• describe major barriers that hinder/prevent underserved populations from seeking/obtaining primary and specialty health care;
• discuss cultural considerations when planning and implementing treatment, prevention, and education strategies; and
• identify lessons learned from establishing a sustainable, culturally-relevant and sensitive county-wide diabetes prevention and education activities.

Keywords: Diabetes, Cultural Competency

Related Web page: www.srph.tamhsc.edu/centers/chd/SCP.htm

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.